Hourly Project Assistant II (Internship)

Posted:
8/13/2024, 12:31:51 PM

Location(s):
City of Albany, New York, United States ⋅ New York, United States

Experience Level(s):
Internship

Field(s):
Business & Strategy

Applications to be submitted by August 20, 2024


Compensation Grade:

H96

Compensation Details:

Minimum: $20.00 - Maximum: $20.00 Hourly

Department

(OPH) Office of Public Health

Job Description:

Responsibilities

Health Research, Inc. is seeking an Hourly Project Assistant II. This incumbent will assist the Bureau of Water Supply Protection with data analysis activities related to the New York City drinking water distribution system.  Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella, a species of bacteria. Legionella is a water-borne bacterium that is found naturally in freshwater environments, such as streams and lakes. It can also grow and spread in man-made water systems, such as cooling towers, hot tubs, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains that are not properly maintained. Proliferation of opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella in man-made systems can have negative impacts on the health of vulnerable populations such as persons in healthcare facilities. The NYSDOH Bureau of Water Supply Protection (BWSP) is responsible for implementing 10NYCRR Part 4, Protection Against Legionella. This regulation has been implemented and evaluated by the Water Systems Control and Analysis section of the BWSP. The regulation aims to reduce the risk for Legionella infection from a variety of potential sources, including cooling towers and large complex water systems in healthcare facilities.

Drinking water treatment facilities utilize disinfectants such as chlorine to inactivate microbial pathogens and to decrease the risk of water-borne illnesses. The relationship between the physical, chemical and microbial characteristics of municipal water supplied into healthcare facilities and the occurrence of Legionella in healthcare facilities is not well understood. Factors such as an inadequate chlorine residual can lead to the formation of biofilms, resulting in the proliferation of biofilm-associated Legionella. Chlorine residual levels in the distribution system can be influenced by various factors including temperature, reactions with different materials in the system and stagnation.

The Hourly Project Assistant II will assess the relationship between various chemical and physical water quality parameters to the occurrence of Legionella in healthcare facilities in New York City. In addition, the Hourly Project Assistant II will also conduct a meta-analysis of the current literature to determine the most influential factors to the occurrence of Legionella in man-made systems.


Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a workforce training program or institution of higher education pursuing a related degree or certificate program within the past six months.


Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with extraction and evaluation of data from databases, experience with MS Excel spreadsheet and/or other data analytical tools. Experience reviewing and synthesizing scientific literature.  Knowledge of the science of drinking water (chemistry, biology, engineering) and drinking water regulations.

Conditions of Employment
Grant funded, hourly position expected to last through 12/13/2024. Compliance with funding requirements such as time and effort reporting, grant deliverables, and contract deliverables, is required.


Valid and unrestricted authorization to work in the U.S. is required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position requires that the incumbent will report to the official work location and live within commuting distance to the official work location. Telecommuting will not be available.

Travel, up to 25%, will be required.


HRI participates in the E-Verify Program.


HRI has a long-standing dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. HRI is committed to the principle of nondiscrimination in all phases of its employment procedures and practices.


Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Qualified Individuals with Disabilities/Qualified Protected Veterans


www.healthresearch.org

About Health Research, Inc.

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) contributes to the health and well-being of the people of New York State by complementing and enabling the strategic public health goals of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC), and other health-related entities.


HRI provides best-in-class resource administration for stakeholders and programs related to the work and priorities of the Department of Health and its other partners. HRI does this through the provision of knowledge, expertise, funding guidance, and fiduciary oversight of sponsored program funding for public health and research programs in concert with community partnerships.

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) offers a robust, comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

  • Health, dental and vision insurance - Several comprehensive health insurance plans to choose from;

  • Flexible benefit accounts - Medical, dependent care, adoption assistance, parking and transit;

  • Generous paid time off - Paid federal and state holidays, paid sick, vacation and personal leave;

  • Tuition support - Assistance is available for individuals pursuing educational or training opportunities;

  • Retirement Benefits - HRI is a participating employer in the New York State and Local Retirement System and offers optional enrollment in the New York State Deferred Compensation Plan. HRI provides a postretirement Health Benefits Plan for qualified retirees to use towards health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses;

  • Employee Assistance Program - Provides educational and wellness programs, training, and 24/7 confidential services to assist employees, both personally and professionally;

  • And so much more!