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Assistant Biologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Biologist information

What is an assistant biologist?

Assistant Biologists are entry-level professionals who support senior biologists and research teams in conducting scientific studies related to living organisms. Their duties typically include collecting and analyzing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and assisting with experiments both in the field and in the lab. They play a crucial role in helping research projects run smoothly by performing essential tasks that allow lead scientists to focus on complex analyses and reporting. Assistant Biologists often work for research institutions, environmental agencies, or private companies, and their work can contribute to advancements in biology, conservation, and environmental protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant biologist?

To thrive as an Assistant Biologist, you need a background in biology or a related field, strong analytical skills, and experience with laboratory techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications in lab safety or animal handling are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and successful collaboration on research projects.

What are some common challenges assistant biologists face when working in field research settings?

Assistant Biologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable weather conditions, working in remote or rugged locations, and managing the physical demands of outdoor data collection. Additionally, coordinating with senior researchers and ensuring accurate data recording under time constraints can be demanding. However, these experiences also foster strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience, which are highly valued in biological research careers.

What is the difference between Assistant Biologist vs Research Biologist?

AspectAssistant BiologistResearch Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree; often a PhD for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field sites, environmental agenciesResearch labs, academic institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, environmental firmsResearch institutions, biotech companies, universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Assistant Biologist and a Research Biologist lies in experience level and responsibilities. Assistant Biologists typically support research activities, perform basic experiments, and assist senior staff, often with a bachelor's degree. Research Biologists usually lead projects, design experiments, and may hold advanced degrees like a master's or PhD. Both roles work in similar environments, but Research Biologists have more independent responsibilities and higher qualifications.

Do assistant biologists make good money?

Assistant biologists typically earn a starting salary that ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. With experience and advanced education, such as a master's degree or certifications, salaries can increase significantly. The role often involves fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and data analysis, with some positions offering benefits and opportunities for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biologist jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Biologist jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Assistant Biologist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Assistant Biologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Biologist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Associate, Biologist or Environmental Scientist

Haley & Aldrich

Rockford, MI

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Haley & Aldrich rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Find your path and enjoy the journey at Haley & Aldrich. With us, you'll tackle clients' most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments - and, in turn, build stronger communities. You'll work with teams of passionate colleagues, driven by a commitment to technical excellence and continuous learning.

As a company, we aim to build a world where communities go beyond resilience, embracing change as an opportunity to enhance safety, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to accelerate this vision and your professional development.

We are looking to add new talent to our growing team! We are currently seeking an Associate, Biologist or Environmental Scientist to work in a business development and technical lead role with highly skilled professionals on diverse project teams in a dynamic environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing group and company and get involved in a variety of projects for a diverse range of clients. This is a full-time position located in one of our Michigan or Ohio (Rockford / Ann Arbor, MI, or Independence, Miamisburg, Cincinnati, OH) offices.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will:

  • Lead and assist with identifying new client opportunities while developing internal and external networks into a book of business.
  • Lead business development opportunities to assist our northwest region's natural resources and permitting - growth initiatives.
  • Assist with the development and diversification of natural resources and permitting services in the northwest region across multiple markets (Energy, Real Estate, Industrial, Remediation...).
  • Lead and assist with the execution of natural resources and permitting project work through individual contribution and delegation to lower-level staff
  • Develop technical scopes of work and proposals within your area of expertise, connecting your work with other project components to support client goals. Recognize when conditions require modifications to meet client- or regulatory-specific requirements.
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge of proper jurisdictional codes, regulations, and professional standards of practice to assigned project work.
  • Coach, mentor, and support staff to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure high-quality execution of project tasks, technical reports, and deliverables.
  • Use developing skills to be visible in your specialty area by giving internal and external technical presentations and attending external networking events to identify business development opportunities.
  • Play a significant leadership role in performing technical evaluations and developing conceptual site models on environmental, natural resource, and land use permitting projects.
  • Lead the development of proposals and technical reporting efforts supporting natural resource, permitting/compliance, other related projects, and assist with development of documentation reporting standards.
  • Work with the appropriate staff to support the design and development of restoration and mitigation design plans on various aquatic and habitat projects.
  • Perform or oversee field implementation of technical resource studies, restoration/mitigation design development and implementation along with construction oversight, as needed.
  • Plan and perform all work in accordance with company and client health and safety protocols.
  • Demonstrate the company's foundational safety behaviors.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Minimum Skills and Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field.
  • Minimum of 15 years related experience including 5 years of Project Management.
  • Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification preferred.
  • Experience with local, state and federal permitting, natural resource management (species surveys and documentation), regulations/requirements and experience with wetlands in the Mid-West Michigan or Ohio regions a must.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including verbally presenting project information to peers, stakeholders, and clients.
  • Desire to advance skills in your area of expertise to become more visible in the industry.
  • Environmental design and contract package development experience.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks pertinent to the work.

Preferred Skills:

  • Master's degree in Natural Resource, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
  • Experience conducting permitting/compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to wetlands and other natural resources. Including state (SEPA) and federal (NEPA) documentation preparation and compliance.
  • Experience conducting wetland and habitat evaluations to determine resource liabilities & make recommendations on permits, design plans and mitigation requirements to achieve compliance.
  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER training and refresher updates.

The salary range for this position in  Ann Arbor, MI; Rockford, MI; Cincinnati, OH; Miamisburg, OH; and Independence, OH is 110,000 - 120,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based upon a variety of factors such as education, related work experience, certificates, skills, and current market conditions. Haley & Aldrich reviews salary ranges each quarter to assess competitiveness with the market.

About Haley & Aldrich 

Haley & Aldrich is committed to solving our clients' most meaningful challenges in the built and natural environments. Our team of 1,000+ engineers and scientists across the United States draws inspiration from one mission: to work closely with clients as they navigate change to create safer, more robust places to live and work. Since our founding in 1957, organizations across the public and private sectors have relied on us for technical excellence and empathetic leadership that achieve results and secure a thriving tomorrow. Find us at haleyaldrich.com and LinkedIn.

Haley & Aldrich is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, age, disability, veteran, or any other legally protected status. We offer excellent career growth, a highly competitive total compensation plan, and a solid benefits package. Interested candidates should apply on our Careers page.

Note to external search firms: Haley & Aldrich does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Please do not send resumes to Haley & Aldrich employees. Please work through a Talent Acquisition Manager.

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