APEC IV – Data Collector

Westat is currently seeking motivated and detail-oriented individuals with a commitment to excellence to work as data collectors on the fourth Access, Participation, Eligibility, and Certification (APEC IV) study. This study is being conducted for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

APEC IV Data Collectors will travel to school districts and schools to collect data, observe a meal service, and collect information on meals provided to students for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Data collectors must also maintain detailed records and adhere to the study’s requirements for data quality, efficiency and confidentiality, and report to a field supervisor.

Westat has a long-standing policy to protect the health of our staff and the general public. Based on recommendations from the CDC and other public health authorities, we continue to require staff to protect and monitor their health while working on their assignment. The use of personal protective equipment or screening activities may be required, depending upon the specific study’s protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Be available to complete mandatory web-based home study trainings between January 3 and January 12, 2024.
• Be available to attend a mandatory in-person, out-of-town data collector training in Rockville, MD, from January 17-20, 2024, with travel days on January 16 and 21.

Minimum Requirements

• Live within 150 miles of a study region, as defined by the project, and be willing to travel locally to schools and districts for data collection.
• Be available to work during the entire data collection period from January through June 2024.
• Be available to work up to 20-30 hours per week when work is available, which will include early-morning travel to schools, data collection during school hours, and administrative tasks after the day’s visit.
• Be able to complete the training according to the given schedule while adhering to professional training protocols and communicate multiple times per week with your assigned supervisor during the training period.
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment and materials;
  • Walk several blocks; and
  • Climb a flight of stairs while carrying equipment.
• Have a reliable vehicle with insurance under your name.
• Have a valid (current) driver’s license that is not under suspension.

Preferred Criteria

• Experience collecting data in schools or establishments;
• Able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English;
• Strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic groups;
• Comfortable using a laptop computer;
• Experience with a smartphone;
• Excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use the keyboard, send/receive email);
• Able to establish and maintain a good rapport with school staff and study respondents;
• Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented;
• Able to work independently and with little direct supervision;
• Be willing to occasionally travel overnight to efficiently visit multiple schools in a district;
• Prior experience conducting in-person household CAPI interviews;
• Able to work independently; and
• Experience working with the general public.

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history.

This is a part-time, variable hour, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance.

This federal government project is subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). The hourly rate for this position is determined by the location where work is performed. In addition to hourly pay, a Health and Welfare payment of $4.98, which may be reduced based on group benefit election, will be paid weekly for up to 40 work hours per week. This position is eligible for paid vacation and holiday leave based on hours worked.

All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.

Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you.

Westat is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.