Facilities & Operations Assistant

How to Apply

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

• Specific interest in this position, and;
• Skills and experience which directly relate to this position

Note: In order for the career portal system to accept the cover letter, please include this as the first page of your resume document, so that you are submitting only ONE combined document. This combined document will be reviewed to assess how you meet the stated qualifications, including your written communication skills.
 

Who We Are

The School of Kinesiology is currently the fourth largest school at the University of Michigan - the top public research institution in the country. Currently, we have three undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs, and 35 research labs and centers. We are proud to occupy the fully renovated School of Kinesiology Building, a 221,600 gross square foot space adjacent to the Diag. It is an exciting time to be in the School of Kinesiology; read more about us here.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Facilities, Research and Instructional Labs, the Facilities & Operations Assistant is primarily responsible for keeping our building and lease properties running smoothly and in excellent working order. The core of this role centers on checking our building spaces, managing lease properties (equipment, access, etc.), identifying maintenance needs, and tracking work requests to keep all locations in top shape. Additionally, this position handles basic lab safety compliance through brief, routine checks of emergency equipment like AEDs, eyewash stations, and sharps containers. 

For additional details about the position, please review the full job description.
 

Responsibilities*

Laboratory Operations & Safety 

• Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections (AEDs, eyewash stations, sharps containers, biosafety equipment).
• Coordinate EHS compliance activities, track corrective actions, and support laboratory safety inspections.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and supplies and provide operational support for off-site equipment and leased spaces.

Facilities & Building Management

• Serve as the primary contact for maintenance needs across leased properties and research facilities.
• Submit and monitor work orders, renovations, and facilities requests.
• Conduct building inspections, compliance audits, and ensure spaces remain safe, clean, and operational.
• Prepare offices and maintain signage, bulletin boards, and public spaces.

Logistics & Event Support 

• Coordinate laboratory package distribution and equipment deliveries.
• Support event logistics, furniture moves, and equipment setup.
• Maintain specialized laboratory furniture and equipment.

Administrative & Emergency Support 

• Serve as the evening Building Incident Response Team (BIRT) Lead.
• Provide backup administrative support for the clinic reception area.
• Assist with procurement, purchasing, and ordering equipment and supplies for research and leased spaces.
   

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 1+ years of experience in a facilities operations or lab setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of facilities and/or lab operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, including consistent follow-up to keep stakeholders informed about progress. 
   

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities
   

Modes of Work

The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Locations

This position has the potential for a hybrid schedule with a remote option up to 1 days/week (with Wednesdays being a required in-office day) after a specified training period. Typical hours are Monday through Friday 11:00am -7:00pm. Remote work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

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

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.