Field Interviewer - Part Time

RTI International•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

Field Interviewers for the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) travel frequently to selected locations to recruit study participants. They locate selected dwelling units, identify eligible adult household members, administer screening interviews, and recruit respondents for longer main interviews when selected. The role involves approaching households without prior appointments, making in-person contact with respondents, discussing the study, answering questions, obtaining participation, collecting confidential information, and administering standardized questionnaires. Field Interviewers independently manage administrative responsibilities, including conference calls, online training, scheduled data transmissions, and timely and accurate Time & Expense reports. They safeguard and carefully track participant incentives, project materials, and issued equipment, and assume full and legal responsibility for the use and care of that equipment. The role includes virtual team meetings and weekly Zoom meetings with a supervisor. Employees must maintain regular access to reliable, password-protected wireless internet at home for project work. The position requires standing, walking, climbing stairs, and transporting equipment and materials such as laptop computers and notebooks weighing 15 pounds or more. Work includes approximately 20 hours per week on a regular basis, including weekends and weekday evenings, with occasional weekday daytime hours. Fieldwork may involve various weather conditions, work after dark, and unfamiliar areas.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Effective communication skills through speech and listening.
Fluency in English through reading, writing, and speaking.
Availability for the entire training and data collection period and ability to successfully complete training.
Valid U.S. driver's license and reliable personal automobile available for business use.
Comfort using an RTI-issued tablet, laptop, and other associated equipment.
Access to a password-protected Wi-Fi connection for data transmissions and administrative responsibilities.
Ability to keep project information confidential.
Willingness to work in various weather conditions and after dark.
Comfort asking survey questions about personally sensitive subject matter, including pregnancy, reproduction, and sexual activity.
Willingness to work approximately 20 hours per week, including weekends and weekday evenings on a regular basis, with occasional weekday daytime hours.
Comfort working in unfamiliar areas.
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and transport equipment and materials weighing 15 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

Positive, self-motivated, curious, and enjoys interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Effective time, schedule, and workload management skills to meet deadlines.
Computer skills, including email and internet proficiency.
Experience conducting in-person household interviews with randomly selected respondents.
Willingness to travel to other areas in the geographical region, such as within the state or an adjacent state, for short periods.

Responsibilities

Travel frequently to selected locations to recruit study participants.
Locate selected dwelling units and identify eligible adult household members.
Administer screening interviews and recruit respondents for longer main interviews when selected.
Approach selected households without prior appointments and make in-person contact with respondents to explain the study, answer questions, and obtain participation.
Collect confidential information and administer standardized questionnaires.
Independently manage administrative duties, including conference calls and online trainings.
Transmit data as scheduled.
Assume full and legal responsibility for the use and care of project-issued equipment.
Safeguard participant incentives, issued equipment, and project materials against damage, loss, or theft.
Track participant incentives carefully and submit timely, accurate Time & Expense reports.
Virtually attend scheduled meetings with project team members and meet weekly with a supervisor via Zoom.
Maintain regular access to reliable wireless internet at home for project work.