The University of Michigan Biological Station is pleased to offer the Project CLEAR (Community and Lakes Environmental Awareness and Research) Fund Fellowship. CLEAR began as a student-led project conducted from 1977-81 at the Biological Station. Its members have funded this fellowship. CLEAR Fellows have two roles and commitments:
They will be spring/summer interns for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
They will be UMBS students for the Spring or Summer Session. For more information and to apply for courses go to https://lsa.umich.edu/umbs.
The internship will run from mid-May to mid-August. During this time, Fellows will be required to:
Conduct independent research on freshwater ecosystems (e.g. water quality improvement, ecosystem protection or stewardship, or freshwater sustainability);
Involve/engage local communities in their research/research findings; and
Enroll concurrently in 1 spring or summer session field class at UMBS (tuition support provided). This spring course term runs May 19 – June 18, 2026, and summer course term runs June 30 - July 30, 2026.
Support
This fellowship provides tuition support, room, board, research fees, and supplies at UMBS. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council will provide a $15.50 per hour stipend for work performed for their organization (up to 40 hours per week).
Housing is provided for CLEAR Fellows at UMBS from early/mid-May until early August.
Fellows will report to the Aquatic Resources Coordinator Emily Johnson at the Watershed Council.
CLEAR Fellow Responsibilities
- Volunteer Monitoring Programs: Fellows will work to organize and carry out volunteer monitoring activities, including trainings, field data collection, laboratory analyses, and quality assurance. Freshwater data collected through volunteer programs includes macroinvertebrate samples, chlorophyll-a samples, and Secchi depth measurements.
- Field Surveys, Inventories, and Restoration Projects: Fellows get their feet wet in the water resource management field by assisting with a variety of projects, including: surveying lake shorelines and aquatic plant populations, collecting water quality data, assessing streambank and shoreline erosion, conducting invasive species inventories, rain garden maintenance, and more. The chosen fellow will also assist in the laboratory with calibration and maintenance of field survey equipment, water quality monitoring instrumentation, and sampling gear.
- Outreach and Education: One of the most important functions of the Watershed Council is to educate and inform shoreline residents, government officials, businesses, and the public about various water-related topics. Topics include, but are not limited to, lake and stream ecosystem management, aquatic invasive species, best management practices that protect water quality, permitting, dam safety, and issues like pipeline awareness. Education efforts may include staffing a mobile boat washing station to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and presenting water quality topics to the community. Fellows help organize and participate in lake and river clean-ups, lake association meetings, and local water-related festivals.
- GIS (Geographical Information System), Database, and Office Tasks: Fellows may assist staff with GIS work by processing collected field data and using ArcGIS Pro and associated software. Additional office tasks include scientific database population, miscellaneous office assignments, and tending to our freshwater aquariums and stream tank. These tanks include macroinvertebrates, whitefish, grayling, and even a juvenile sturgeon.
Qualifications
Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or equivalent; possess strong written, verbal, and computer skills; and have a valid driver’s license and vehicle. Proficiency in swimming and paddling (kayak and canoe), as well as the ability to work 10+ hours/day, is required for fieldwork. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. Prior experience with water quality monitoring and equipment usage, aquatic plant identification, invasive species knowledge, macroinvertebrate identification, and GIS software are preferred. Strong candidates will possess a positive attitude and be highly motivated. Anticipated work dates are early-mid May through mid-August.
Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume and contact information for two professional references to the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council - apply@watershecouncil.org, Attn: Emily Johnson. Questions about the internship may go emily@watershedcouncil.org and questions about the U-M Biological Station can go to umbs@umich.edu.
Deadline: Open until filled. Please apply by February 16, 2026
Founded in 1979, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water. Based in beautiful Petoskey, Michigan, the Watershed Council works on local issues in the watersheds of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, as well as state, federal, and binational policy. Hallmarks of the Council’s work include respected advocacy, watershed planning, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, collaboration, and empowering others. For more background information, check out www.watershedcouncil.org.
