Water Testing Laboratory Student Scientist & Community Outreach Technician

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico seeks a Water Testing Laboratory Student Scientist & Community Outreach Technician to support the AI Living Lab's free water-testing program. This off-campus work-study position is designed for UNM students in environmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, public health, or related STEM fields.

You will schedule and lead mobile presentations, operate the testing lab on-site, test water quality, and create video and social media content documenting the lab's

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a degree-seeking program at UNM and enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) for fall and spring semesters.
• Work Study Award required for Off-Campus Work-Study position.
• Preferred: public speaking and ability to explain science to non-scientists.
• Preferred: familiarity with YouTube/Instagram/TikTok and basic video editing.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and lead mobile water-testing presentations at senior centers and adult community centers.
• Operate the mobile lab on-site and perform water-quality testing.
• Explain results in plain language to adult participants.
• Create short-form educational content and manage lab's digital media presence.
• Maintain lab and field logs and ensure accurate recordkeeping.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Video production

Social media familiarity

Attention to detail

Bilingual English/Spanish

Driver's license

Strong recordkeeping

STEM enrollment

Education

UNM student

Tools

Video editing basics

Job description

Student Advanced Level

Requisition ID: req37621

Working Title: Water Testing Laboratory Student Scientist & Community Outreach Technician

Pay: $18.00 Hourly

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: Off Campus Work Study (454F)

Employment Type: Student Employment

Student Type: Work-Study

Status: Non-Exempt

Background Check Required: No

For Best Consideration Date: 8/27/2026

Position Summary

Organization: STEM is Child's Play - AI Living Lab

Location: AI Living Lab

An Off-Campus Work-Study position - MUST have a Work-Study Award

Position Summary

STEM is Child's Play Foundation isseeking science students to serve as Water Testing Laboratory StudentScientists supporting the AI Living Lab's free community water-testing program.This position is designed for undergraduate or graduate students inenvironmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, public health, or relatedSTEM disciplines.
Student scientists will schedule andlead mobile water-testing presentations at senior centers and adult communitycenters, operate the mobile testing lab on-site, perform water-quality testingin front of participants, explain results, and create video and social mediacontent documenting the lab's work.
This position works exclusively withadults. The AI Living Lab operates byappointment only and does not conduct programming with minors in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach &Presentations

• Schedule presentations at senior centers, communitycenters, and adult community organizations
• Coordinate appointments and logistics for the mobilewater-testing lab
• Set up and break down the mobile testing station ateach location
• Deliver clear, engaging presentations to adultaudiences on how to collect a water sample and what the test results mean
• Test participants' water samples on the spot andexplain results in plain language

Laboratory & Field Testing

• Perform water-quality testing for available parameters,including pH, TDS, and EC
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain water-quality testingmeters and related equipment
• Record test results accurately and maintain field andlaboratory logs
• Identify results outside established testing ranges andreport them to the Lab Director
• Clearly explain the limitations of the testing programand avoid providing medical, environmental, or regulatory conclusionsbeyond the lab's scope

Content Creation & Digital Media

• Maintain and grow the AI Living Lab YouTube channel
• Film, edit, and publish videos showing what we do inthe lab and how we do it
• Create short-form educational and informational contentabout water quality, testing methods, and lab activities
• Support the lab's social media presence with photos,reels, and behind-the-scenes content

Minimum Qualifications

Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM, Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for fall and spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a STEM degree program - environmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, public health, environmental technology, laboratory science, or a related field
• Comfort operating pH, TDS, EC, or similar water-quality meters (training provided)
• Strong public-speaking and interpersonal skills - able to explain science clearly to non-scientists
• Basic video production and editing skills (phone-quality is fine to start; more advanced skills a strong plus)
• Familiarity with YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or similar platforms
• Strong attention to detail and accurate recordkeeping
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.