Social Science Field Research Technician

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app

The Field Research Interviewer will support the U.S. Forest Service’s National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) Program on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) in Wisconsin during October–November 2025. This position is part of a federally mandated program designed to measure recreation use and visitor experiences on national forests. Interviewers conduct on-site, face-to-face surveys with recreation visitors to collect information on visitation volume, demographics, activities, satisfaction, and trip-related spending.

Duties/Responsibilities

Data Collection & Fieldwork (60%)

• Conduct face-to-face survey interviews with recreation visitors at designated sites throughout CNNF.

• Administer standardized questionnaires on visitor demographics, activities, satisfaction, and expenditures.

• Follow sampling schedules and ensure adherence to NVUM protocols.

• Maintain accurate and complete data records using tablets and field equipment.

Logistics & Operations (20%)

• Drive U.S. Forest Service vehicles to and from survey locations.

• Set up survey sites with signage, safety equipment, and materials.

• Follow safety procedures and maintain professional conduct in all public interactions.

• Work both weekends and weekdays as required by the sampling schedule.

Reporting & Communication (20%)

• Participate in team meetings, field training, and regular check-ins with supervisors.

• Report on field conditions, challenges, and data collection progress.

• Collaborate with the project PI and field operations coordinator to ensure study quality and consistency.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Ideally some relevant experience in customer service, research, outdoor recreation, or related fields.

• Ideally a bachelor’s degree in recreation, environmental studies, social sciences, or related area may substitute for experience.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid U.S. driver’s license with acceptable driving record (required for U.S. Forest Service vehicle operation).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interact courteously with the public.

• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and adapt to remote/field conditions.

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Ability to read maps and navigate rural forest settings.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

• Ability to lift survey equipment and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous survey or data collection experience.

• Background in recreation, natural resource management, or social science field research.

• Familiarity with U.S. Forest Service lands, outdoor recreation, or environmental fieldwork.

• Experience working independently in remote outdoor settings.

Applicant Instructions: 

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• Resume/CV

Compensation Pay Range:

$25/hour

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. 

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering