Assistant Agricultural Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Office Assistant 3 Calculations to work within the Division of Agricultural Development in Albany in support of the Business Development team.
Specifically, the Office Assistant 3 Calculations will:

• Compile, review, compute and report on data from contracted entities to support contract management and grants reporting within the Division. Programs could include Federal and State funded programs such as the Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program, Local Food Procurement Assistance Program; County Fair Infrastructure Program; and various fair product marketing orders;

• Review documentation and claims for payment for the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program in accordance with established protocols and contract requirements which include verifying costs, proof of payment; and submission of all necessary documentation;

• Communicate with vendors/grantees, as needed, to ensure required documentation for contract development and claims processing have been submitted, including scope of works, budgets, MWBE forms, and other financial documents;

• Track and monitor financial data for budgetary purposes in relation to various division local assistance funding, such as Cornell education and outreach programs; Apple Growers Association programs; and workforce development programs;

• Provide support, including budget development for key advisory committees and work groups overseen by Business Development staff, including Specialty Crop Block Grants Advisory Committee; various marketing order advisory committees; and the Beginning Farmer Advisory Committee;

• Perform account clerical audits for programs in which there are a large number and variety of transactions, verifications, checks, and computations, and where the written procedures are changed frequently; and

• Perform supervisory duties as assigned.

The Office Assistant 3 Calculations, G-14, is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Opportunities for telecommuting may be available in accordance with the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.
Salary:
The starting salary for the Office Assistant 3 Calculations is $56,506/year, and the hiring salary for the CSEA salary grade (SG) 14. The candidate appointed will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to CSEA employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent in their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-14 job rate salary of $68,630/year!
Benefits:
This is a CSEA-represented position offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays - providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages with programs such as the Optional Payment Election Program, Deferred Compensation Plan, Flex Spending Account, and NY's 529 College Savings Program. For comprehensive details on these programs, please visit the New York State Office of Employee Relations website.
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 student 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:
You may be eligible for appointment to this position if you meet any of the following minimum qualifications.
Reassignment Qualifications: You must be a current Department of Agriculture and Markets employee and
have one year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55 b/c service as an Office Assistant 3 Calculations,
G-14; if you have less than one year, you must be reachable on the current eligible list for this location if one
exists.
70.1 Transfer Qualifications to Office Assistant 3 Calculations, G-14: Applicants may be appointed to
this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as
appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Such titles include but are not limited to:
Office Assistant 3, G-14; Program Aide, G-13; Stores & Mail Operations Supervisor, G-12; and Taxpayer Services Specialist 1, G-14.
Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were
previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their
former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further
examination. Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their
separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for
more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission.
How to Apply:
Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use this link to applyby August 17, 2026. Within this online application please upload your resume and cover letter.
If you have any questions, please contact Marisa Weston in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov.
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.
Additional Position Information:
Division: Agricultural Development
Negotiating Unit: CSEA
Location: Albany
Number of Vacancies: One
Status of Vacancy: Full-time; Permanent
Hours Per Week: 37.5 Hours
Jurisdictional Class: Competitive
Civil Service List(s): Eligible List Exists