How to Apply

A brief cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should include the following information:

• A brief description of your field experience
• A list of BIO lab courses you have completed or equivalent courses from a different institution
• Contact information of a BIO faculty member who is recommending you

Job Summary

The Biology Department at the University of Michigan-Flint is seeking a qualified student candidate to assist with the BIO 480: Field Biology class during the Summer 2026 semester. This class meets every Monday and Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm, from early May to mid-June. This semester-based position is a unique opportunity for students to gain further experience working in the field, while supporting faculty and student skill development.

Responsibilities*

• Assist instructor in classroom and field study related to amphibians, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, fish, and plants
• Follow and enforce field safety and animal use protocols
• Help faculty member with field study prep and cleanup
• Assist students with analyses of data
• Facilitate student field projects involving, but not limited to, the following: bird point counts, turtle mark-recapture studies, benthic monitoring, camera trapping, animal behavior studies, and invasive species monitoring.

Required Qualifications*

• Must have successfully completed BIO 480 at UM-Flint with a B grade or higher.
• Available during the scheduled meeting times for the course.
• Able to work in typical field conditions during the spring in Michigan.
• Transportation to drive up to 50 minutes to off-campus sites.
• Maintain student status at UM-Flint or recent graduate, within the last 6 months.
• Recommendation by a Biology faculty member.

Desired Qualifications*

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in Wildlife Biology-related research and techniques. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Additional Information

If the chosen candidate meets the requirements of a Graduate Student Instructor per the GEO CBA, they will be hired as a GSI. 

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.