Nopus 2.0 - Data Collector

Job Description

Westat is currently seeking motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence to collect seat belt use data for an important study called the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS).

The primary role of the NOPUS Data Collector is to observe seat belt use at surface street intersections, interstates, and controlled intersections. The data collector will work with a partner and use an electronic tablet to collect the observations. This position is primarily outdoors and requires 10 to 12 hours of work each day for the duration of the field period.

NOPUS is an observational study; thus, no interaction with respondents or participants is required for the study. NOPUS Data Collectors will work in tandem with their partner for the duration of the field period, and they will be required to travel to all data collection sites together.

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 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information;

• Be available to attend the mandatory in-person project training, May 30-31, 2024; and

• Be available to complete a mandatory web-based home study training prior to the in-person training.

Minimum Requirements

• Live in the geographic area defined by the project's needs;

• Be available to work from June 3 to June 16, 2024 (some assignments may conclude earlier);

• Be available to work up to 10 to 12 hours per day, every day of the week, for up to 2 weeks, when work is available;

• Be able to travel locally to and from the assignment location;

• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 15 pounds from the car to the assigned observation point;

• Be able to remain outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, especially heat, for several hours at a time;

• Be able to stand for up to 120 minutes at a time; and

• Be able to walk up to a mile;

• Have regular and reliable access to telephone service with a long-distance calling feature, either landline or cellular;

• Have regular and reliable access to a secure high-speed internet connection;

• Have regular and reliable access to an insured vehicle;

• Possess a valid (current) driver's license that is not under suspension;

• Be able to read maps; and

• Have experience using a smartphone and/or tablet, with skills including connecting to Wi-Fi and using/sending email on a mobile device.

Preferred Criteria

• Have previous Westat transportation research experience;

• Have other field data collection experience;

• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent;

• Be willing to travel out of state for project work with a possibility of overnight travel. The amount of travel will vary and may include continuous overnight travel for up to 2 weeks (depending on assignment and project needs);

• Have the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English;

• Have excellent computer skills (be able to access the internet, use the keyboard, and email);

• Have strong reading, verbal, and written communication skills; and

• Have good communication skills 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 eligible for overtime pay. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance. 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).

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 7 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

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

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.