Hydro/Aqua-ponics/Reptile Trainee

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

AI Living Lab - Soilless Growing and Reptile Training
The AI Living Lab is a community-based, hands-on learning environment
operated by STEM is Child's Play in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Lab
integrates hydroponics, aquaponics, and live animal care with applied
STEM education, focusing on real-world systems such as water quality,
plant growth, animal husbandry, and environmental monitoring.
It functions as both a training site and a living exhibit, serving
youth, seniors, educators, and community members while preparing
students for emerging workforce pathways in controlled environment
agriculture, animal care, sustainability, and informal science
education.
No prior experience is required. Structured, supervised training is
provided in hydroponics, aquaponics, reptile care, and teaching.

Position Details
Title: UNM Work-Study Student - Hydroponic, Aquaponic, Animal Care, and K-12 Education Training Assistant
Hours: 15 hours per week, flexible scheduling around academic commitments

Position Overview
The Work-Study Student will assist with:
Daily operations of hydroponic and aquaponic systems
Care of reptiles and aquatic animals
Delivery of hands-on STEM education to K-12 students
This is a training-forward position designed for juniors, seniors,
and graduate students seeking applied experience in controlled
environment agriculture, animal husbandry, and informal science
education. Candidates will support instruction under staff supervision
and help create a safe, engaging learning environment for children.

Primary Responsibilities
Assist with setup, monitoring, and routine maintenance of hydroponic
and aquaponic systems (pumps, water levels, filtration, nutrient
management)
Support daily care of reptiles and aquatic animals
(feeding, enclosure cleaning, habitat checks, monitoring temperature,
humidity, and behavior)
Facilitate hands-on lessons for K-12 students during workshops, field trips, and after-school programs
Prepare educational materials, activity stations, and learning spaces for different grade levels
Maintain grow beds, tanks, enclosures, and lab spaces following safety, hygiene, and animal welfare protocols
Record observational data (water temperature, pH, plant growth notes, animal care logs, student participation)
Support exhibit preparation, signage, curriculum materials, and special projects

Training and Learning Opportunities
Hands-on training in hydroponic and aquaponic food production systems
Applied experience in reptile and aquatic animal husbandry
Practical experience supporting K-12 STEM instruction in informal learning environments
Exposure to workforce pathways in sustainability, controlled environment agriculture, animal care, and science education
Development of communication, observation, documentation, and public engagement skills

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.

Required Qualifications
Current enrollment at the University of New Mexico and eligibility for Federal Work-Study
Junior, senior, or graduate standing preferred
Interest in biology, environmental science, agriculture, animal science, education, engineering, or related STEM fields
Comfort working with live animals and interacting with children in supervised settings
Ability to follow care and safety protocols, communicate clearly, and work independently after training
Ability to perform light physical tasks and lift up to 25 pounds

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.