Employment Information

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets provides rewarding career opportunities for individuals with a broad range of backgrounds.

Most state jobs are divided into two categories – competitive and non-competitive.

• Competitive Jobs (exam required):
  • You must take and pass a civil service exam before applying for a competitive job. 
  • Applying for the specific position comes after you sign up, take, and receive your exam results - a process that takes at least 90 days.
• Non-Competitive Jobs (no exam required):
  • You must meet the qualifications for non-competitive jobs, but do not need to take an exam. These positions are generally filled by people with professional licenses, trade skills, or other specific qualifications.

Visit the NY.Gov page for information concerning exams and the hiring process, and how to find a job in New York State Government.

The Department offers a variety of employment opportunities in a number of occupational categories. Our job postings are listed on State Jobs NY. Each individual posting provides specific information on duties, qualifications, salary, and how to apply.

State Employees General Public

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities.

Learn more about the Governor's Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities for more information on specialized programs designed to help place individuals with disabilities in state jobs.

Permanent, full-time New York State employees are eligible for several attractive benefits.

• Vacation, holiday, sick, and personal leave
  • Generous leave benefits include 13 days of paid vacation leave in the first year of employment with bonus days for additional years of service; 12 days annual paid holidays; five days annual paid personal leave; and 13 days of annual paid sick leave.
• Health Care Coverage
  • A choice of quality health insurance plans is available at an affordable, low premium cost to all employees and their families through enrollment in the Empire Plan or a variety of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
• Retirement Plan
  • Full-time employees are offered a superior plan that provides secure retirement income with vesting after 10 years of service.
• Payroll Deduction Savings Plans
  • A variety of savings plans are available through payroll deduction, including the Deferred Compensation plan, the U.S. Savings Bonds Payroll Savings plan, and New York's College Savings Program.
• New York State Flex Spending Account (FSA)
  • The FSA account offers two opportunities for pre-tax savings: the Dependent Care Advantage Account and the Health Care Spending Account.
• Tuition Assistance Programs
  • A variety of tuition voucher and reimbursement opportunities are offered through negotiated agreements with employee unions.
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
  • Certain employees may purchase a group-term life insurance policy. Additionally, employees who participate in the Income Protection Plan are covered for short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • The EAP is an assessment and referral service that can connect employees with local service providers and support services to help them address their personal needs.
• Employee Wellness Program (EWP)
  • The EWP offers all state employees various lunchtime activities, including yoga, exercise, meditation, CPR training, and stress management seminars.

Individual programs within the Department may sponsor student internship experiences. All student internships are posted on the Statewide Student Internship Portal.