Data Collector

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT, January – May 2026 We are seeking data collectors in the upstate New York area for the New York State Youth Tobacco Survey (NY YTS). The NY YTS documents the prevalence of priority health risk behaviors around tobacco and nicotine products among New York students in grades 6‑12. The NY YTS is sponsored by the New York State Department of Health. Data collector training for the NY YTS will occur January 29‑30 . Data collection will immediately follow training for approximately sixteen weeks, but working weeks may not be consecutive. If you have an interest in the health behavior of adolescents and can commit to maintaining open availability during the spring 2026 school semester, you may wish to apply for this data collector position. This is an opportunity to be involved in an important survey on current health topics of importance. If hired, you will work in various locations around the state which may require some overnight travel. This position is NOT recommended for students enrolled in spring semester courses that require weekly class attendance. General Responsibilities Administer a web‑based or paper‑and‑pencil survey to students in 4‑10 classes per school Perform quality control on the collected information and package it for return to the survey processing center Travel among schools in assigned locations and respond and report to survey supervisor in a timely manner Coordinate scheduling and follow‑up for the conduct of makeup surveys, as required Complete required web‑based documentation for each visited classroom Act as on‑site liaison with school personnel, working with school administrators, teachers, etc. Work independently or as a member of a survey administration team Maintain expense logs and progress reports Receive assignments via an internet‑based project system Experience Preferred College graduate. Ideal for retired teachers, school administrators, and current graduate/thesis students able to work full‑time with no travel restrictions Computer skills, including navigating the Internet, using web applications, emailing and attaching files Experience working with children, particularly in middle and high school settings Experience in field data collection, survey/social science research, sales, or marketing Personal Attributes Required Able to lift, carry, and transport up to 30 lbs. of data collection materials between classrooms and schools Extremely well‑organized, with a strong eye for detail Capable of motivating others to cooperate Ability to adhere to strict time schedules and arrive on time and prepared for all appointments Professional appearance, demeanor, and clear speaking voice High degree of self‑confidence and the ability to deal with difficult situations in a calm/professional manner Ability and willingness to travel by yourself Have a cell phone for use in the field Have a valid driver's license and an insured vehicle in good condition that you do not share with others Have a valid major credit card, with available funds for travel expenses incurred Payment For Training & Data Collection Work Assuming acceptable completion of the two‑day training (January 29‑30, 2026) and additional tasks immediately after training, you will receive pay for 24 hours. For data collection in schools, you may expect to be paid your base hourly rate for 12 hours for one school, 24 hours for two schools, and 36 hours for three schools scheduled and surveyed in a given week. Assuming continued acceptable performance, you can expect to work on a temporary, on‑call basis during the study period. New York State uses the travel reimbursement guidelines and per diem rates established by the Federal Government. For travel to training and during data collection, by rail, bus, or other public transportation, the actual cost of fare will be reimbursed. For travel in your personal vehicle to training and/or to conduct the survey work, you will be reimbursed according to the Federal Government privately owned vehicle mileage reimbursement rate, which is currently $0.70 per mile, plus tolls and parking. In addition, all your allowable travel expenses at locations away from home will be reimbursed within the allowable Federal Government per diem guidelines. Your pay during data collection includes compensation for your time to do the following: make advance calls to schools before the date of data collection; organize the survey materials before going to the school; travel to and from the school; meet with the school contact and teachers, and survey students; review the survey materials after the administration; update the project’s case management system with collection details; return the data and forms collected to the designated client office; follow up with the school about the return of make‑ups, missing classes and/or forms; maintain communication with your supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr