Data Collection Specialist

Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. • Santa Barbara, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. (RDN) is seeking Data Collection Specialists for a temporary, full-time position from June 2, 2026, to August 12, 2026. The role can be performed remotely or on-site at their office in Santa Barbara, CA. This position offers an opportunity to build research skills and gain professional experience while supporting a U.S. Department of War housing program that impacts over one million service members and their families. RDN is an economic consulting firm located in Santa Barbara, California, with over 40 years of experience. Their multilingual, interdisciplinary staff has expertise in economics, quantitative analysis, applied social research, and public policy, focusing on regional and resource economics, housing economics, and water rate studies. RDN's approach adheres to principles of outstanding customer service, accurate and forward-thinking solutions, and continuous improvement, fostering a casual office environment with flexible hours and abundant professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (current students okay to apply) or 2+ years of relevant experience
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to pass a background check
• Excellent internet research, data entry, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent phone etiquette
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented
• California or Wisconsin Residency
• Secure, distraction-free workspace with computer, webcam, and reliable high-speed internet (for remote workers)

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work a regular, full-time schedule, i.e., Monday through Friday, 7am Pacific Time start, 8-hour workday (with flexible lunchtime)

Responsibilities

• Conducting online research to validate and gather new data for our database
• Contacting property managers to collect and validate key information about their rental units
• Evaluating rental units to ensure they meet program criteria
• Entering eligible data for review by RDN management and program stakeholders
• Working with a team of other Data Collection Specialists to complete project goals

Benefits

• Completion bonus of up to $500 if they work on the project through the end of the data collection period (12 August 2026)
• $20 biweekly ($40 per month) allowance to offset the cost of personal workspace equipment (for remote workers)
• Opportunities for extended or regular employment may be available at management’s discretion
• Flexible hours
• Abundant professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees