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Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
Environmental Microbiome & Pathogens Research Laboratory
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Summary
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.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
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.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
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Accepting applications
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Lansing, MI
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $0 - $0 without compensation Pay scale & grade
GS 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Part-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Internships
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBUZ-27-13087338-DE-RM Control number 888794900
This job is open to
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Students
Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.
Clarification from the agency
Open to students currently accepted for enrollment, seeking a diploma/degree in junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the educational institution.
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Duties
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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.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of employment
To participate in this Program, you must:
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should:
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.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated by Department of Interior personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the project manager for review.
Benefits
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This is an unpaid volunteer experience. Student volunteers are not considered Federal employees for any purpose other than injury compensation and laws related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits.
Required documents
Required Documents
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To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:
Your experience including start and end dates.
Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
Any knowledge, skills or abilities you''ve gained through education that relate to the project.
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.
How to Apply
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To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/.
Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.
Agency contact information
Semester of Service
Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address UPPER MIDWEST WSC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package by 10/29/2026 which includes:
Your resume (two or fewer pages). Note: Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your resume MUST include:
Your experience including start and end dates.
Education information, such as the name of your school and dates of attendance.
Any knowledge, skills or abilities you''ve gained through education that relate to the project.
Proof of current enrollment not less than half-time in a college, university, or other accredited educational institution. Transcripts or a certificate of enrollment are preferred.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/.
Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Semester of Service
Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address UPPER MIDWEST WSC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
Once your online application is received you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by DOI personnel to determine your eligibility for the position and your application will be forwarded to the opportunity manager for review.
You can find your path with the Department of Interior at https://careers.doi.gov/.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Geological Survey
The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation''s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving Earth-system interactions and delivers actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. USGS provides science about natural hazards, natural resources, ecosystems and environmental health, and the effects of climate and land-use change. Click here to learn more about the U.S. Geological Survey.
Agency contact information
Semester of Service
Phone 000-000-0000 Email pathways_pmf@ios.doi.gov Address UPPER MIDWEST WSC
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what it''s like to work at Geological Survey, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/nKonBsAFNbY
Summary
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.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Lansing, MI
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $0 - $0 without compensation Pay scale & grade
GS 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Part-time Travel Required Not required
Appointment type Internships
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number CBUZ-27-13087338-DE-RM Control number 888794900
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| Location | Lansing, MI |
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