Facilities Intern - Facilities

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science

education institute located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, MI, on the vibrant Medical

Mile. In our proud 22-year existence, we have grown into a world-class research and

educational institution that supports the work of more than 450 scientists, educators and staff.

VAI currently has an opening for a Facilities Student Intern to join our Facilities Department

for a 12 month internship opportunity starting in January 2027. The Facilities Department’s

mission is to create and maintain a “Best in Class” facility that exceeds staff and guests’

experiences.

The Facilities Department is also committed to maintaining LEED certified

standards and practicing employee-based green initiatives throughout the institute. The

department provides a clean, comfortable, functional, and safe working environment for

employees to achieve their goals and the goals of the institute.

In supporting this department and this goal, the person in this role will perform a variety of

tasks that are related to operational activities, while also helping with special projects and

assignments. They will be responsible for providing office support and assisting the internal

staff.

What you will be doing on a regular basis:

Provide operational support to the Facilities Department by:

• Develop our Sustainability initiatives through leading our Green Team.

• Conduct monthly Green Team meetings and coordinate activities and projects around

Sustainability

• Work with other Institutes and Education Facilities to best practice Green Initiatives

• Providing administrative computer support to the Facilities/Maintenance staff.

• Edit equipment data in our computerized maintenance management system and

update equipment and preventative maintenance records.

• Provide status updates for maintenance projects.

• Submit Maximo service requests.

• Update the Chemical Inventory website.

• Project Management support.

• Job shadowing.

• Fulfilling other tasks assigned by supervisor.

What will qualify you for this role?

• Preference will be given to students in a full-time Facilities Management program at an

accredited college or university, but the internship is open to all majors.

• Have completed two to four years of college (equivalent to 48 or more credit hours).

• Have experience working in a maintenance or office services environment.

• Must be able to work independently with minimal or no direct supervision.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams,

OneDrive).

• Proficiency with Canva, CAFM, and Adobe Creative Cloud preferred.

You should also be a person with the following traits and characteristics:

• Strong written communication skills: editing and writing skills preferred.

• Strong verbal communication skills.

• Proficient in using standard office equipment.

• Highly organized.

• High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills.

• Team oriented.

• Willing to be trained and to learn new skills.

• Providing administrative computer support to the Facilities staff.

• Data mining for sustainability projects.

• Provide organizational support on projects.

• Provide status updates for sustainability projects.

• Help deploy green initiative projects at VAI and write corresponding standard operating

procedures for those projects.

• Provide Project Management support.

• Job shadowing.

• Fulfilling other tasks assigned by supervisor.

What we offer:

VAI defines a Student Intern as a student employee continuing their undergraduate or

graduate studies while gaining experience at VAI. This is a paid internship and those student

interns who wish to earn academic credit for their internship experience may also participate in

the Guest Student Program administered through the Van Andel Institute Graduate School

(VAIGS).

In addition, the Facilities Student Intern will be offered parking in the Michigan Street

Development parking structure, contingent upon availability, for a one-time parking pass fee of

$15.

The start date of the internship is flexible but we are targeting January 2027. This position will

have flexible hours during the semester but will be 40 hours/week during Summer.

The hourly rate of pay is $16.

Does this sound like you? Let’s begin the conversation!

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, a brief cover letter describing their interests and

goals, into a single combined PDF document. Please also provide at least two references.

In your cover letter, please outline your experience or education to date, your future goals, and

how these factors fit within the position description.

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to provide official university transcripts and

two letters of recommendation from university professors.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Natalie

Hartford at [email protected]

ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting-edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity employer. 

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.