Summer Field Research Assistant - Urban Heat Data Collection

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 523,000 - 785,000; Part time

Job summary

The Undergraduate Field Research Assistant will support an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves collecting meteorological measurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer under the direction of a graduate research assistant.

The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable working outdoors in hot conditions for extended periods, and eager to gain hands-on experience in environmental field research.

Qualifications

• Enrolled AU undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Reliability and punctuality are essential; field operations depend on full team availability.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot and humid summer conditions for extended periods.
• Comfortable working on or near public streets in an urban environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow standardized procedures consistently.

Responsibilities

• Operate handheld infrared thermometers to measure surface temperatures at designated grid points within each study plot.
• Complete field survey forms accurately, recording site conditions, shading, and notable observations at each measurement point.
• Assist the graduate research assistant with instrument setup, deployment, and pack-down at each site.
• Transport field equipment within study plots using a wheeled field cart.
• Follow all standardized measurement protocols as directed by the graduate research assistant.
• Assist with equipment preparation and loading before field days.
• Support data entry and basic quality checks following field sessions as needed.
• Communicate any equipment issues or site concerns to the graduate research assistant promptly.

Skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Outdoor work

Education

Enrolled AU undergraduate student

Job description

The Undergraduate Field Research Assistant will support an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves collecting meteorological measurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer under the direction of a graduate research assistant.

The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable working outdoors in hot conditions for extended periods, and eager to gain hands-on experience in environmental field research.