Graduate Urban Heat Summer Research (Student)
About The Position
This position is available only to enrolled American University students. Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. The Graduate Research Assistant will support an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves leading a small field team to collect meteorological measurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer. The ideal candidate has experience with environmental field research, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in outdoor conditions. Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.
Requirements
- Enrolled graduate student in good academic standing.
- Prior experience with environmental or field-based research.
- Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to plan and lead field operations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work outdoors in hot summer conditions for extended periods.
- Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working on or near public streets in an urban environment.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with meteorological or environmental monitoring instruments is an asset.
- Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.
Responsibilities
- Lead a four-person field team during data collection sessions at paired treatment and control sites across Washington, DC.
- Deploy, operate, and monitor meteorological instruments including heat stress trackers, infrared thermometers, black globe thermometers, and dataloggers.
- Execute standardized measurement protocols at each site, including surface temperature grid measurements and continuous instrument logging.
- Ensure simultaneous measurement at treatment and control sites by coordinating with the paired field team.
- Complete field survey forms documenting site conditions, weather, and any anomalies at each visit.
- Supervise two undergraduate field assistants, providing on-site direction and quality oversight.
- Plan daily field operations in coordination with the Principal Investigator and research manager, including site routing, equipment preparation, and scheduling.
- Communicate field day status, data quality issues, and logistical needs to the PI and research manager in a timely manner.
- Perform daily instrument calibration checks and equipment maintenance.
- Download and back up instrument data at the end of each field day.
- Perform initial quality checks on collected data and flag anomalies for review.
- Assist with data processing and analysis following the field period.
Benefits
- Federal Work Study (FWS) awards may be applicable.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
