Student Assistant for Procurement Services – Environmental Studies

Office of General Services, Office of Procurement mission statement: 

The mission of the New York State Office of General Services (NYS OGS) Procurement Services is to provide customer-focused procurement services. They aim to develop and manage contracts and programs that are:

• Responsive to customer needs.
• Cost-effective, practical, and timely.
• Comprehensive and innovative, offering procurement alternatives to assist customers in achieving their primary missions.

Overview:

The Intern will contribute to advancing the State’s environmental goals by supporting research, analysis, and implementation of environmentally preferable contracting projects. This role provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmentally preferable contracting, and make a meaningful impact on sustainability efforts.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Research and Analysis:
  • Conduct research on environmentally preferable technologies, policies, and market trends.
  • Analyze data related to environmentally preferable products and services.
• Project Support:
  • Assist in the planning and execution of environmentally preferable contracting projects, including feasibility studies and implementation strategies.
  • Support the development of proposals and reports for stakeholders and clients.
• Policy Development:
  • Contribute to the creation and review of policies aimed at promoting environmentally preferable product adoption and reducing carbon emissions.
  • Stay updated on regulatory changes and their implications for environmentally preferable initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaborate with government agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners to advance environmentally preferable goals.
  • Participate in meetings, workshops, and outreach activities to promote environmentally preferable product awareness.

• Data Management:
  • Use tools like Excel, Power BI, or other platforms to track and report on metrics and project performance.
  • Develop visualizations and presentations to communicate findings effectively.

Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Public Policy, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of sustainability principles.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Passion for the environment, and a commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives.

Preferred Skills: 

• Sustainability Knowledge: Understanding eco-friendly procurement practices, environmental regulations, and green certifications.
• Research and Analysis: Ability to investigate suppliers’ sustainability credentials and analyze data on environmental impacts.
• Communication Skills: Effective collaboration with teams and stakeholders, along with clear reporting on sustainability initiatives.
• Problem-Solving: Creativity in addressing challenges related to sustainable procurement and finding innovative solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in evaluating environmental compliance and tracking sustainability goals.