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…