Roadside Observational Researcher (Summer Position)

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire is looking for participants in the Survey Center Seat Belt Observation Study, a temporary position for June. This role requires driving to various locations in New Hampshire and observing seat belt usage as part of a statewide study. Ideal candidates seek extra summer income and must have a valid driver's license, dependable vehicle, and be available 5 days a week.

The hourly pay is $20, plus mileage reimbursement. Training will occur before observations start, with work hours expected to vary between 20-25 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Driver's license required.
• Must reside within NH and within specified distances from UNH Durham.
• Dependable vehicle and valid driver's license necessary.
• Must be available 5 days per week, at least one weekend day.

Responsibilities

• Drive to various locations in New Hampshire to record observation metrics.
• Conduct observational research on seat belt usage.

Job description

Overview

UNH Survey Center Seat Belt Observation Study – temporary position for June. This is a short-term, hourly role with completion expected in the first 2-3 weeks of June. The position may appeal to individuals seeking extra summer income.

Responsibilities

• Drive to various locations in New Hampshire and record required observation metrics at designated times and locations.
• Conduct observational research on seat belt usage as part of the statewide study, in partnership with the New Hampshire Highway Safety Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Requirements

• Driver's License

Minimum Qualifications

• Background checks will be required for all non-USNH students/current employees.
• Residency: must reside within NH and either within 20 miles of the UNH Durham campus or within 10 miles of the partner’s starting location.
• Dependable vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Availability: must be available 5 days per week, with at least one weekend day; if applying with a partner, the partner must have the same availability.
• Willingness to work a few long days (8–12 hours) per week.
• Mandatory training will be held at our Huddleston Hall office during the last week of May (the week before observation begins).

Schedule Structure

• Observation days are assigned to each two-person team based on availability and scheduling needs; teams are assigned between 20-25 hours per week during the first 2–3 weeks of June. Additional hours may be offered based on scheduling needs.
• Teams travel to various locations within New Hampshire to complete 1-hour observations at each site.
• Weather-related cancellations will be rescheduled for the same day of the week later in the month.
• Most observation days start between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and finish between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, with total workdays ranging from about 8 to 12+ hours.

General Day-to-Day Structure

You and your partner will determine the best place to meet to begin the day; one of you will drive from that meeting point. Plan departure times to be at the first observation site ready to record at the specified start time. Locations are grouped geographically; you typically have 1 hour to reach the next site, with sites usually 5–15 minutes apart.

Daily Schedule Example

• 6am – 7am: Travel from partner location/meet-up spot to first observation site
• 7am – 8am: First Site Observation
• 8am – 9am: Travel to next observation site
• 9am – 10am: Site Observation
• 10am – 11am: Travel to next observation site
• (pattern continues)
• 5pm – 6pm: Final Site Observation
• 6pm – 7pm: Travel Home

Contact for Questions

Questions may be directed to Jordan Osgood at [e-mail] and Robert Durant at [e-mail].

Compensation

$20 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement. Hourly pay is $20/hour and paid on the usual UNH bi-weekly schedule. The mileage reimbursement rate is $0.725 per mile, and toll expenses are reimbursed at the end of the study. The position is funded by an external sponsor; continued employment depends on the availability of those funds. If sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be modified or terminated in accordance with applicable policies.

About UNH

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution located in Durham, NH. The campus is 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast, with access to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and promotes a diverse, inclusive learning environment.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The system is committed to diversity and inclusiveness and encourages applications from qualified individuals who contribute to a diverse campus community. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status is prohibited.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer depends on skills, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources.

Location: Durham

Salary Grade: Adjunct Hourly Staff 00