Association of Food & Drug Officials (AFDO) and NYS Department of Ag and Markets (NYSAGM) Division of Food Safety Internship

  • Date: June 2022 - August 2022
  • Location: Flexible
  • Intern: Queen Guobadia (Queen's blog)
  • Project sponsors/ Field Mentors: Jessica Badour, Workforce & Communications Coordinator, AFDO and Dan McCarthy, Director of the Division of Food and Safety Inspection
  • Stipend: $5,000
Agricultural fields at sunset

During the summer internship, the intern will work with the Division of Food Safety and Inspection on the development of a virtual inspection program framework.  This work may require the intern to conduct online research, schedule and hold webinars and/or phone calls with other regulatory programs to gather information, review existing policies and procedures, and write procedures for the implementation of a virtual inspection program in New York State.

    Roles and responsibilities 

    The intern will report to and take work assignments, direction, and oversight from the designated supervisor at the NYSAGM, and will complete projects both virtually from home and from the NYSAGM Food Safety and Inspection office located in Brooklyn, NY.  

    During the summer internship, the intern will work with the Division of Food Safety and Inspection on the development of a virtual inspection program framework.  This work may require the intern to conduct online research, schedule and hold webinars and/or phone calls with other regulatory programs to gather information, review existing policies and procedures, and write procedures for the implementation of a virtual inspection program in New York State.

    During the scope of the internship, the intern will also complete the following:

    • Attend the AFDO annual Educational Conference
    • Complete at least five (5) online general food safety education courses, access to which will be provided by AFDO.
    • Attend monthly AFDO intern webinars to hear topic-specific presentations and participate in interactive discussions with other participants and presenters.
    • Participate in a minimum of three (3) field shadowing experiences with NYSAGM personnel to gain an understanding of how inspections and inspection related activities are conducted.

    Qualifications and previous coursework

    This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

    • The intern will comply with all NYSAGM department policies and will complete all necessary trainings and certifications required by NYSAGM for their interns.
    • Ability to prepare written materials in a clear and concise manner for the general public and for internal users.
    • Ability to work independently when necessary, but is not shy about asking questions.
    • Access to high speed internet and phone. The Department will provide secure access to data and the technology to retrieve it.

     

    Learning outcomes 

    The intern will assist the NYSAGM, Division of Food Safety and Inspection with the development of a virtual inspection program. Deliverables for this project will include:

    • Obtaining copies of written virtual inspection procedures collected from other state regulatory agencies.
    • Developing written summaries of other virtual inspection programs based on interviews with agency personnel.
    • Developing written procedures, forms, and guidance documents that will used to implement a virtual inspection program within NYSAGM.