Water Testing Laboratory Student Scientist & Community Outreach Technician

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 is seeking science students to serve as Water Testing Laboratory Student Scientists supporting the AI Living Lab's free community water-testing program. This position is designed for undergraduate or graduate students in environmental science, chemistry, biology, microbiology, public health, or related STEM disciplines.
Student scientists will schedule and lead mobile water-testing presentations at senior centers and adult community centers, operate the mobile testing lab on-site, perform water-quality testing in front of participants, explain results, and create video and social media content documenting the lab's work.
This position works exclusively with adults. The AI Living Lab operates by appointment only and does not conduct programming with minors in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach & Presentations

Schedule presentations at senior centers, community centers, and adult community organizations
Coordinate appointments and logistics for the mobile water-testing lab
Set up and break down the mobile testing station at each location
Deliver clear, engaging presentations to adult audiences on how to collect a water sample and what the test results mean
Test participants' water samples on the spot and explain 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 testing meters and related equipment
Record test results accurately and maintain field and laboratory logs
Identify results outside established testing ranges and report them to the Lab Director
Clearly explain the limitations of the testing program and avoid providing medical, environmental, or regulatory conclusions beyond 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 in the lab and how we do it
Create short-form educational and informational content about water quality, testing methods, and lab activities
Support the lab's social media presence with photos, reels, and behind-the-scenes content

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

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

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.