ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in fieldwork, data collection activities, and adheres to established methodologies and protocols.

• Administers with general oversight on-site and off-site visitor surveys, conducts field-based observations, and ensures accurate visitation counts through the deployment and management of automated counting equipment such as trail counters, vehicle counters, and field cameras.

• Assists in the maintenance, calibration, and operation of field equipment to ensure optimal performance.

• Conducts regular inspections, troubleshoots technical issues, and coordinates repairs or replacements.

• Helps collect, organize, and manage field data following established data management practices.

• Ensures data integrity through quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures.

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date data records for future analysis and reference.

• Assists with testing and implementation of field methodologies, protocols, data collection techniques, and equipment operation.

• Learns and develops expertise in field methodologies and protocols.

• Provides support to internal teams and stakeholders regarding field data collection activities.

• Maintains effective communication with internal teams, stakeholders, and visitors.

• Addresses inquiries, provides information, and resolves issues promptly to ensure excellent customer service.

• Fosters positive relationships with stakeholders and ensure open communication channels with project managers.

• Follows all safety regulations, policies, and procedures to prevent accidents.

• Takes necessary precautions to ensure personal and team safety.

• Reports any accidents, damage to city property, or safety infractions promptly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to pay close attention to accuracy and precision in data collection, note-taking, and record-keeping. A field technician must ensure data quality and follow protocols meticulously.

• Ability to proactively identify what needs to be done and does it. Completes work in a timely and consistent manner by following established study protocols and standard operating procedures.

• Ability to work well with others and build positive relationships with team members, visitors, and other staff. This includes showing empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

• Ability to stay on track with weekly tasks, specifically including arriving on-time at field locations and prepared with all necessary equipment. Follows and fully implements standard operating procedures and/or research protocols.

• Ability to work effectively as a member and leader of formal and informal teams.

• Ability to understand the interests and concerns of others and is able and willing to share and receive information plus feedback. Ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.

• Ability to be flexible with adapting to shifting priorities.

• Ability to ensure that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate; develops and uses systems to organize and keep track of information or work progress; regularly corresponds and follows up with others to ensure that scheduled tasks have been completed.

• Ability to work in Excel, including entering data into spreadsheets, keeping data organized in structured tables, and performing simple calculations using basic functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and IF.

• Ability to actively listen to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues and customers. Ability to communicate promptly, tactfully, and effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to demonstrate limited experience in outdoor data collection.

• Knowledge of field research principles and the ability to follow established field protocols under supervision.

• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to approach a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and considering each part in detail. Takes a systematic approach to collecting, organizing, and reviewing data for accuracy and completeness.

• Ability to clean and format data in Excel, including removing duplicates, handling missing values, and basic data validation.

• Ability to create simple charts (e.g., bar charts, pie charts) and format them in Excel.

• Ability to identify and analyze problems, consider alternative solutions, and make sound decisions. A social science technician should be able to troubleshoot issues in the field, adapt to unexpected situations, and propose creative solutions.

• Knowledge of the Field Maps app including proficiency in using the app to find and navigate to geographic features such as data collection locations and trails.

• Knowledge of the basic concepts of geographic information systems (GIS) and an understanding of how ArcGIS is used for mapping and data visualization.

• Knowledge of relational databases and the concept of joining tables in queries.

• Knowledge of the purpose and function of automated sensor/counting equipment (e.g trail, vehicle, camera). Experience in setting up and operating this equipment with guidance.

• Knowledge of Survey123 and basic ability to collect and upload data using the Survey123 Field App

• Knowledge of programming/scripting environments (e.g. R, Python, SQL) and ability to run simple scripts for data manipulation.

• Skill in using Excel for more advanced data analysis tasks, including creating pivot tables, performing regression analysis, and using data analysis add-ins.

• Skill in conducting fieldwork independently, including setting up equipment, collecting data, and following safety guidelines. Demonstrated experience in working in various outdoor environments.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, human dimensions, recreation management, environmental studies).

• (6) Six months or more experience as a field technician (or similar position) conducting social science or recreation research, such as setting up and maintaining automated sensor equipment, conducting visitor surveys, or systematically observing human behavior, and following field protocols.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• At least three (3) months of experience as a field technician (or similar position) conducting social science or recreation research, such as setting up and maintaining automated sensor equipment, conducting visitor surveys, or systematically observing human behavior, and following field protocols.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Human Dimensions Analyst Senior

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.  Physical ability to stand, bend, walk, and kneel.  Ability to carry up to 40 pounds while hiking on rough terrain.  Ability to maintain concentration on visitor behaviors for extended periods of time and accurately record observations. Ability to collect quantitative and qualitative data in an outdoor environment.  Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permit the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.  Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.  Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment.  Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard.  Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. 

• Work Environment: Works in an outdoor environment year-round.  Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), toxic chemicals (e.g., paint), dangerous plants (e.g., poison ivy) and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning). Also works in an indoor setting at a desk works in a clean, comfortable office environment.  Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. Requires schedule flexibility, occasionally working nights and weekends working any combination of early mornings, late evenings, and weekdays/weekends. Ability to work tactfully and effectively with the public and fellow workers.   

• Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators, cell phones, and copy machines; vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles; automated sensor equipment, ladders, iPads, and a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment.