Undergraduate Urban Heat Summer Research Assistant (Student)

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

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible touse Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWSfunds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWSfunds, please contact American University's Office of FinancialAid.

Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

The Undergraduate Field Research Assistant will support an urbanheat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department ofTransportation. The position involves collecting meteorologicalmeasurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer underthe direction of a graduate research assistant. The ideal candidateis dependable, comfortable working outdoors in hot conditions forextended periods, and eager to gain hands-on experience inenvironmental field research. Availability for two short sessionsin summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for onlyone session will also be considered.

1.) Field Data Collection

• Operate handheld infrared thermometers to measure surfacetemperatures at designated grid points within each studyplot.
• Complete field survey forms accurately, recording siteconditions, shading, and any notable observations at eachmeasurement point.
• Assist the graduate research assistant with instrument setup, deployment, and pack-down at each site.
• Transport field equipment within study plots using a wheeledfield cart.
• Follow all standardized measurement protocols as directed bythe graduate research assistant.

2.) General Support

• Assist with equipment preparation and loading before fielddays.
• Support data entry and basic quality checks following fieldsessions as needed.
• Communicate any equipment issues or site concerns to the graduate research assistant promptly.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 20 - 30 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $19.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Enrolled AU undergraduate student in good academicstanding.
• Reliability and punctuality are essential; field operationsdepend on full team availability.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot and humid summer conditions forextended periods.
• Comfortable working on or near public streets in an urbanenvironment.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow standardizedprocedures consistently.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Prior research or fieldwork experience is an asset but notrequired.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Approximately 30 hours per week during two field sessions insummer 2026 (late June/early July and mid-August). Availability for both sessions is preferred.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled AmericanUniversity students.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Contact Us

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