Empire State of Work to Connect ESF Students with Careers in New York State Agencies

09/22/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sept. 23, 2026 – The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) hosted Empire State of Work Sept. 16, which brought representatives from New York state agencies to campus to showcase career opportunities available to ESF students and graduates.

The event is an expansion of ESF's successful DEC at ESF Day, which previously connected students with professionals from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Building on the success of last year's expanded format, the event now includes multiple state agencies, offering students a broader look at careers in public service.

Participating agencies included the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Health, Department of State, Department of Civil Service, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Transportation, Office of Children and Family Services, and Department of Agriculture and Markets.

New York state is the leading employer of ESF graduates, making partnerships with state agencies an important part of the College's commitment to prepare students for meaningful careers that address environmental and societal challenges.

"ESF has a long and productive relationship with New York state agencies that share our commitment to stewardship, public service, and improving the quality of life for communities across the state," said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. "Our graduates bring the scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and passion needed to tackle some of today's most pressing environmental and natural resource challenges. Events such as Empire State of Work highlight the strong pipeline ESF provides to the state's workforce and connects our students with opportunities.”

“Career development is about much more than finding a job after graduation. It's about helping students understand the possibilities available to them and giving them the confidence to pursue those opportunities,” said Dr. John Turbeville, director of career services and corporate engagement at ESF. “Events such as the Empire State of Work allow students to see multiple career pathways and connect their education to meaningful professional outcomes. Early connections with employers can make a significant difference in a student's career journey, and beginning to develop networks which support their ability to build a professional path.”

“There is a long tradition of SUNY ESF graduates working in the DEC, bringing their commitment and creativity to our work throughout the State,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Empire State of Work is the perfect opportunity for DEC to showcase available careers for ESF students in public protection, law enforcement, water quality, wildlife biology, forestry, materials management, environmental education, recreation, and more. It is also a chance for DEC staff to connect with the energy and enthusiasm of our next generation of public servants.”

Empire State of Work provided students the opportunity to meet agency representatives, learn about internships and employment opportunities, explore career pathways, and gain insight into the hiring process for state positions. Agency staff were available to discuss a wide range of careers in environmental protection, public health, transportation, recreation management, agriculture, public administration, and human services.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is one of the nation's premier colleges focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. ESF’s mission is to educate future environmental leaders of all backgrounds, advance knowledge, and skills necessary to promote scholarship and stewardship of the natural to designed environments, and act both locally and globally to Improve Our World. ESF’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni make a global impact on improving and sustaining the environment. ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. ESF’s tight-knit community is centered alongside Syracuse University in the heart of Central New York and has a system of properties spanning 25,000 acres that broadly represent New York state’s rich ecological diversity for scientific study and instruction. To learn more, visit suny.edu.