Thank you for your interest in working for the Language Center! We may be bias, but we think it is a pretty great place to work 🙂
We accept applications year-round; however, most of our hiring for the upcoming academic year happens in the spring. We rarely hire mid-year unless a position unexpectedly opens. Still, we encourage you to apply at any time so we have your information on file for future opportunities. When we are actively hiring, the position will also be posted on the Carleton Student Employment webpage and announced on our Instagram page (@carleton.languagecenter).
Position description
Are you passionate about languages and cultures? Are you customer service oriented and eager to help others on their language learning journey? If so, join us at the Language Center! We are on the lookout for engaging and dynamic student workers, eager to facilitate a multilingual and multicultural environment. As a Language Center Assistant, you’ll be integral to the daily operations of the Language Center, providing technical, administrative, and linguistic support to Carleton students, faculty, and staff. Hours are flexible (up to 10 hours per week) with opportunities to pick up additional hours, as needed. Evening and weekend hours are offered and may be required depending on your availability. Learn more about the Language Center here!
Essential job functions/responsibilities/duties
- Demonstrate a strong orientation toward customer service excellence
- Effectively proctor language tests (language placement tests, STAMP tests, Oral Proficiency Interviews, bilingual exemption tests, class tests, etc.), ensuring academic integrity and a supportive testing environment
- Provide support in LDC classrooms, including technology assistance to faculty
- Offer conversational practice to other students
- Manage check-out procedures for books, films, and other materials
- Perform Language Center and classroom data tracking
- Ensure the functionality of computers and printers, troubleshooting as needed
- Organize and upkeep the Language Center, maintaining a clean and welcoming environment
- Conduct basic front-desk operations like playing international music and news at appropriate times and fielding potential phone and in-person inquiries
- Facilitate support for film screenings in collaboration with relevant language departments
- Maintain clear and effective communication with other Language Center staff including correspondence via email and Slack
- Provide support for Language Center events and activities
- Exercise independent and responsible work habits, showing reliability even without direct supervision
- Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of Language Center resources and procedures to assist students, faculty, and staff
Language Center Assistants will be required to attend a mandatory orientation during the first week of the fall term, as well as two team meetings per term. These training sessions will be paid and lunch will be provided.
Desired experience and skills
You should have intermediate or advanced skills in at least one language other than English. We are particularly interested in students who have knowledge of a language taught at Carleton: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and/or Spanish. We especially welcome students who have taken or are currently enrolled in language courses at Carleton at the 204 level or higher.
Work space, physical, and mental demands
Language Center Assistants work in-person at the Language Center (LDC 220). Your role predominantly involves desk-based tasks; however, routine room checks and technical assistance will require you to be comfortable with moving around the Language Center and LDC. Additionally, you may occasionally be asked to deliver items to other campus offices (the Library, Print Services, etc.).
This is a customer service position, so you should be comfortable communicating with faculty, staff, and other students on a regular basis during your shift. We do not expect you to be perfect and will train you on appropriate ways to handle the various situations you may encounter.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the online application form found at the following link: https://forms.gle/QYhKwFM32QM5yx8M9. Please contact the Language Center Director, Amy Hutchinson (ahutchinson@carleton.edu) with any questions.