Open Positions
Temporary Positions
The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) is hiring seasonal staff to assist with office, research, garden management, maintenance, and dining services for the 2024 session. UMBS is a field research station located in Pellston, Michigan. During the summer months, students, faculty, researchers, and their families from around the country live, take courses, and conduct field research at the Biological Station. All positions are temporary, up to 40 hours/week, and start in early May and run through August. Students are encouraged to apply. Compensation includes an hourly wage ($15 - $19) and room and board at the Biological Station during employment.
To apply for any of these positions, please send a cover letter and resume (as one document) to umbs@umich.edu. Applications review will begin February 15 and continue until all positions are filled.
Nurse (1):
The University of Michigan Biological Station seeks a nurse to serve the health needs of the campus community from May 20 to August 10, 2024 (the end date is flexible). The schedule is up to 40 hours/week with morning and evening hours and some on-call duties. Private housing and meals will be provided at the UMBS Pellston campus during the appointment. The hourly pay rate for the nurse position is $30 - $35. For a full list of duties and required qualifications, see the full job description.
Contact: Karie Slavik, slavik@umich.edu
Nature Day Camp Coordinator (2):
The UMBS Nature Day Camp Coordinator will develop and lead activities for children whose families are living and working at the UMBS Pellston campus. Primary responsibilities include developing and delivering environmental educational activities to children ages 4-7 and 8-12, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the month of July. For a full list of duties and required qualifications, see the full job description.
Contact: Karie Slavik, slavik@umich.edu
Research Technician (1):
UMBS seeks a paid research technician for the summer 2024 field season. Technicians will contribute to research at UMBS aimed at advancing our understanding of carbon cycling in forest ecosystems, as well as the impacts of climate variability and change on northern forests and lakes. Summer residence at the UMBS field station in Pellston, Michigan, is required, and onsite housing and meals will be provided. Research duties will include collection of field data related to forest phenology (e.g., leaf area index, litter trap collection, tree growth data), data processing of previously collected field samples, and/or participation in meteorological fieldwork on Douglas Lake or Lake Superior. For a full list of duties and required qualifications, see the full job description.
Contact: John Lenters, jlenters@umich.edu
Office Positions (2-3):
The Biological Station administrative office is the central hub for all Station services. We are looking for two to three people to staff the front office with day-to-day reception, logistics, problem solving, and operation of the store and general administrative tasks for the UMBS community of students, researchers, faculty, staff, and guests. This position will directly interface with all residents and guests of the Station. Qualifications: administrative experience and solid customer service skills.
Contact: Jumanah Saadeh, jumanahs@umich.edu.
Garden Steward Position (1):
The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) is hiring a Garden Steward to manage the UMBS Community Garden for the 2024 season. The main garden is set up for 1.) food production for the dining hall, 2.) ethnobotany or agroecology coursework, and 3.) experimental. There are other gardens on campus to manage as well, including two large rain gardens. The Garden Steward will work directly with UMBS Associate Director and Dining Hall Manager to develop a plan for the garden, order supplies, prepare the site, plant, maintain, and harvest the garden. The Garden Steward will also lead and coordinate the work with volunteers as well as help to organize educational activities for the UMBS community throughout the season. Ideal candidates should have experience with large gardens and a strong interest in organic and sustainable agriculture.
Contact: Karie Slavik, slavik@umich.edu
Dining Hall Positions (>5):
The Biological Station dining hall serves between 20 and 250 residents at a time three meals a day, seven days a week from May through August. The dining hall also provides food and beverages for pack-out meals for class field trips, receptions, and other special events. UMBS meals are prepared with fresh ingredients sourced locally when available. Positions include Cooks to prep and organize food service and Food Service Assistants to serve meals, use a commercial dish machine, clean food prep areas. Desired qualifications: prior food service experience and ServSafe Certification helpful, but not required.
Contact: Laurie Brooke, brookel@umich.edu
Maintenance Positions (4):
The Biological Station Pellston main campus is spread over 20 acres with more than 100 buildings including residential cabins and dormitory, dining hall, classrooms, lecture hall and large laboratory building. We are hiring at least 4 Maintenance Assistants to join the UMBS Maintenance Team from May through August. Duties will include, but are not limited to, spring cleanup and preparation of the station grounds, routinely cleaning cabins and classrooms, moving furniture and outdoor tables and benches throughout campus, daily collection of recyclables and trash, daily sweep out and refueling of the fleet of vans used by classes, clearing sidewalks, trails and roads as needed, and conduct painting and staining projects.
Contact: Scott Haley, rshaley@umich.edu
