Language Consultant - Temporary

The University of Kansas - Staff; Cobalt; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent university seeks a Language Consultant to assist with undergraduate-level linguistics courses starting January 26, 2026. The role involves participating in elicitation sessions, requiring the consultant to be a native speaker of a non-English language and proficient in English or Spanish. The position is on-site at the University of Kansas Lawrence Campus, with expected hours of about 5 hours per week during class and planning sessions, offering a pay rate of $20.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be a native speaker/signer of a language other than English.
• High proficiency in English or Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in elicitation sessions with students in class.
• Meet with course instructor for planning and coordination.

Skills

High proficiency in English or Spanish

Native speaker/signer of a language other than English

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The Department of Linguistics seeks to hire a Language Consultant to assist in the Spring 2026 undergraduate-level course, LING 421: Capstone Typology. As part of this class, students work directly with a language user to learn about a language through elicitation with the Consultant. For example, participants in the class will ask the Consultant for translations of English sentences in the Consultant’s native language. The Consultant must be available to attend class sessions in person at the Lawrence campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am‑10:45am, as well as additional in-person small group sessions (timing TBD based on Consultant’s availability). The workload is expected to be about 5 hours per week, which includes the class meeting times. The position will begin the week of January 26, 2026. The pay rate is $20.00 per hour. The Language Consultant is not expected to prepare lessons, create or grade assignments, or provide any other sort of instruction or assessment.

Job Description

• 90%: Participate in elicitation sessions with students in class (up to 2 times/week) and for additional meetings.
• 10%: Meet with course instructor for planning and coordination.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Native speaker/signer of a language other than English
• High proficiency in English or Spanish

Preferred Qualifications

• Native speaker/signer of a language that is less commonly studied in the U.S. or not as well represented in linguistic scholarly literature

Application Instructions

In addition to the online application, a complete application consists of:

• cover letter
• resume
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Monday December 15. Please apply prior to that date.

Contact Information

Phil Duncan: [e-mail]

Salary and Logistics

Advertised Salary Range: $20.00/hr

Anticipated Start Date: 26‑Jan‑2026

Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE: .125 (Temporary, Nonexempt)

Work Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am‑10:45am, as well as additional in-person small group sessions (timing TBD based on Consultant’s availability)

Work Location Assignment: On‑Site

EEO Statement

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785‑864‑6414, 711 TTY.