Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.
Position Information:
The Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a temporary Public Information Specialist 1 to work at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. This is an excellent summertime opportunity to support preparations for the Great New York State Fair! The Public Information Specialist 1 will assist in the development and implementation of media relations plans, priorities, and systems that meet the evolving needs of the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Fair. The selected candidate will contribute to a wide range of public information and communications efforts, including the creation of written and audiovisual materials used to promote or publicize the Department and The Fair. Specific duties include drafting informational materials for Fair activities; writing, editing, and distributing press releases, briefings, brochures, and other publications; assisting with the response to media inquiries; and maintaining and updating The Fair’s website content and social media channels.
The Public Information Specialist 1 is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), temporary position from May 2026 through September 2026, based on operational needs. Located at the New York State Fairgrounds at 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, NY. Our office location provides a professional and comfortable working environment with ample free parking.
Pay and Benefits:
This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you may be eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays! The pay rate for the Public Information Specialist 1 is $32.06/hour.
As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120
qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: Either 1: a bachelor’s degree in media, new media, English, communications,
journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
OR 2: a master’s degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
OR 3: six years of the experience described above.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates with a background in graphic design and Canva are preferred; experience in video production and editing is a plus.
How to Apply:
Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use the below link to apply by: May 9, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.
The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities. If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit:
https://agriculture.ny.gov/employment-information.