South Dakota Agricultural NASDA Field/ Phone Enumerator Part Time- Parker, SD

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture•Brothersfield Township, SD

About The Position

NASDA is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented part-time Field Enumerator to connect with agricultural producers and collect reliable survey information in support of agriculture and rural communities. The position combines relationship-building, independent work, telephone interviews from home, and required field assignments. Starting pay is $17.75 per hour, with opportunities for merit-based wage increases. Mileage is reimbursed for approved work travel. NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association supporting state departments of agriculture across all fifty states and four U.S. territories. Since 1972, it has partnered with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to collect agricultural data from farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. Field Enumerators represent NASDA and support its work by helping tell the story of American agriculture. The Enumerator conducts interviews with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural businesses in person and by phone, and travels to designated fields to perform crop counts and collect samples. The role requires maintaining accurate, legible records of interviews, crop counts, sample collection, mileage, expenditures, and hours worked. Enumerators independently plan calls and visits, follow through on commitments, meet deadlines, organize their time, and solve problems. Telephone interviews require an operable telephone and a distraction-free home workspace; field duties require travel in a reliable personal vehicle. This flexible part-time position may occasionally include evenings, Saturdays, and non-major holidays. Work is never scheduled on Sundays or major holidays. Availability during peak survey periods is important, and weather, seasonal farm responsibilities, and community functions may affect work hours. A background check is required.

Requirements

Experience multitasking in an energetic, deadline-oriented work environment.
Ability to positively represent NASDA and the benefits of enumerators in all survey actions.
Ability to perform crop counts and collect field samples in designated fields, including traveling on dirt roads, walking on uneven ground, and carrying 40 pounds for 300 yards.
Ability to maintain a reliable personal vehicle.
Ability to perform both field and telephone work, including conducting interviews in person and by phone with farm operators and other individuals.
Knowledge about computers or iPads.
Clear communication skills and the ability to talk with producers, listen to concerns, earn trust, and gain cooperation without authority or pressure.
An operable telephone and a home workspace free from distractions for telephone interviews.
Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

Interview farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural businesses in person and by telephone.
Travel to designated fields to perform crop counts and collect samples.
Maintain accurate, legible records of interviews, crop counts, sample collection, mileage, expenditures, and hours worked.
Independently plan calls and visits, follow through on commitments, and meet deadlines.
Represent NASDA positively in survey actions and explain the value of participation to producers.
Address concerns and objections respectfully, seek cooperation without pressure, and respect operators' decisions.
Organize time and solve problems to complete assignments accurately and on time.