Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Geological Survey • Lansing, MI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Semester of Service Program offers students an unpaid, project-based volunteer opportunity to support Federal missions while gaining hands-on experience and career-ready skills. The volunteer will work at the laboratory bench alongside USGS scientists in the Environmental Microbiome & Pathogens Research Laboratory in Lansing, Michigan. The laboratory studies microorganisms in rivers, lakes, and streams, including those responsible for harmful algal bloom growth and those associated with plants and wildlife.

The volunteer will primarily analyze environmental samples collected from Lake Superior to help understand how bacterial and cyanobacterial species vary across the lake. The work supports research into cyanobacteria overgrowth, which can cause algal blooms that may produce cyanotoxins harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. The student will receive training from experienced microbiologists and biologists and will be provided personal protective equipment for laboratory work.

This is an in-person, unpaid volunteer assignment for a minimum of 90 days during Spring 2027. The announcement describes a 10–20-hour weekly schedule, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with no weekend or evening work. The position is based at 5840 Enterprise Drive, Lansing, Michigan. Volunteers are not Federal employees and receive no compensation, stipend, hiring preference, leave accrual, or other employee benefits. The posting notes coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act and workers’ compensation for service-related injuries.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National studying in the United States or abroad.
• Be enrolled at least half-time throughout the 90-day opportunity at an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution beyond high school; qualifying institutions must be located in the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and the academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer without compensation; volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current Federal employee.
• Have basic laboratory experience, such as specialized high school training or college-level coursework.
• Be pursuing a degree in biology, microbiology, environmental science, earth science, or another biological science field.
• Be able to work in Lansing, Michigan.
• Be able to perform laboratory work involving frequent long periods of standing and repetitive motions, follow protocols, and communicate with team members.
• Submit a copy of transcripts for enrollment verification.
• Contact a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form confirming at least half-time enrollment and good academic standing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing environmental samples for bacteria cultivation.
• Identify and count bacterial cell growth.
• Prepare samples for molecular analysis.
• Clean, maintain, and use laboratory equipment.
• Clean and sterilize laboratory tools.
• Maintain a laboratory notebook.
• Follow laboratory protocols and communicate with other team members.

Benefits

• Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision, and Federal mentorship.
• Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Workers’ compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.
• Personal protective equipment for laboratory work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed