Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

Major duties

Location: Environmental Microbiome & Pathogens Research Laboratory, 5840 Enterprise Drive, Lansing MI 48911 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 10-20 hours per week, part time. Minimum 90 days. Work schedule would have to between Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 4 PM. No weekend or evening work. In office (or work site) only Number of Positions: 2 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Volunteer will be trained to work at the laboratory bench with the USGS scientists in the Environmental Microbiome & Pathogens Research Laboratory in Lansing, Michigan. This laboratory uses advanced laboratory techniques to characterize microorganisms present in rivers, lakes, and streams; responsible for harmful algal bloom (HAB) growth; and associated with plants and wildlife. Student volunteers will receive training on aseptic laboratory techniques and assist in processing environmental samples for bacteria cultivation, identifying and counting bacteria cell growth, and preparing samples for molecular analysis. The student volunteer will primarily focus on analysis of environmental samples collected from Lake Superior that aims to understand how bacteria and cyanobacteria species vary across the lake. Overgrowth of these cyanobacteria can cause algal blooms, which could have the potential to produce cyanotoxins harming people, pets, and wildlife. The student will learn how to clean, maintain, and use laboratory equipment; clean and sterilize laboratory tools; and maintain a laboratory notebook. The student will receive training from a team of experienced microbiologists and biologists, and will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) for all laboratory work. Laboratory work requires in-person work in Lansing, Michigan, and frequently requires long periods of standing, repetitive motion, and the ability to follow protocols and communicate with other team members. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:

• Possess basic laboratory experience (i.e. high school specialized training or college-level coursework)
• Be pursuing a degree in biology, microbiology, environmental science, earth science, or other biological science field.
• Be able to work in Lansing, Michigan.
• Be able to complete laboratory work that frequently requires long periods of standing, repetitive motions, and the ability to follow protocols and communicate with other team members.

Education

To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.

Requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad
• Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.