Living Machine Operator

Oberlin College Development

Oberlin (OH)

On-site

USD 17,908

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

A higher education institution seeks to hire two Living Machine Operators, with one position requiring summer availability in 2026. Applicants should have lab science experience and a strong work ethic. The role involves water quality monitoring, grounds management, and participation in community outreach. New operators will earn $13.00/hr and must be currently enrolled at the college. Required application documents include a resume, a letter of intent, and references.

Qualifications

Must be an enrolled student at Oberlin College & Conservatory.
New student operators are expected to work during Summer 2026.

Responsibilities

Maintaining the Living Machine and water quality monitoring.
Managing the AJLC grounds and garden.
Participate in Living Machine Open Hours.

Skills

Experience in lab sciences

Ability to work independently

Strong work ethic

Education

Completion of at least one laboratory science course at Oberlin

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

You must be an enrolled student at Oberlin College & Conservatory to qualify.
A complete application will be comprised of 1) a Statement of Interest; 2) a Resume; 3) List of References
Review of applications will begin on March 26th
Questions about the position may be addressed to: ben.hobbs@oberlin.edu

Announcement Information

Job Summary

The Environmental Studies Program will be hiring two (2) Living Machine Operators, one (1) of whom must be able to work DURING THE SUMMER OF 2026. We are seeking applicants with experience in lab sciences, demonstrated ability to work independently, and a strong work ethic. The student operators will share the responsibilities of caring for the Living Machine, as well as the building and grounds of the Adam Joseph Lewis Center ( AJLC ) and will have principal responsibilities related to:

Maintaining a water quality monitoring program associated with the Living Machine and Plum Creek.
Management and maintenance of the AJLC grounds and garden

Responsibilities

With respect to water quality monitoring, the students will help maintain the Living Machine through regularly scheduled water quality testing as well as assisting in the maintenance of the automated, real-time water quality monitoring technology for Plum Creek and effluent from the City’s Wastewater Treatment plant. A staff member or members will make bi-weekly visits to the plant to calibrate and verify the function of automated sensors that collect and display water quality data. Together with other staff, collect weekly samples from several regular sampling points along the Plum Creek and will conduct water quality analyses and assist in the development of a rating curve. Inside the Living Machine, staff collect and conduct weekly operations assessments of the health of the system, they sample water for more sophisticated testing in the lab, and they manage and maintain the vegetation in the tanks of the system. Lastly, those staff who are additionally hired to work during the summer will be responsible for garden duties, including watering, weeding, pruning, harvesting, and delivery of foodstuffs to Oberlin Community Services as well as all the responsibilities listed above. Additionally, staff will mow and edge according to a schedule, and in general aid in a continued effort to keep the AJLC looking good. Operators are also expected to participate in our Living Machine Open Hours at least three times per semester. Open Hours are held every Friday from 12:30-3:30 at the Living Machine Mini-Lab and allow interested students to drop in and ask questions or get more information about what we do.

Qualifications

We will be hiring two (2) operators total to start in the Spring of 2026, however one (1) new student operator must be able to continue on through the Summer of 2026. Summer work is a full 40-hour week for approximately 8 weeks.

Ideal Candidate will:

Have taken at least one laboratory science while a student at Oberlin.
Have strong interest in working as a student operator beyond the 2026-2027 academic year.

New Student Operators will be paid $13.00/hr upon hiring.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents