Field Interviewer - Data Collection & Research Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As a Field Interviewer, you are the crucial link between our research objectives and the community. Your primary mission is to collect accurate, unbiased data by conducting structured interviews with selected participants. This role requires a unique blend of empathy, persistence, and meticulous attention to detail. You will navigate diverse neighborhoods, build rapport with individuals from all walks of life, and ensure the integrity of the data that forms the foundation of impactful social, market, or health-related studies. Success in this position means not only meeting data collection targets but also representing our organization with the utmost professionalism and respect for participant confidentiality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Customer Service Representative
Community Outreach Worker or Canvasser
Brand Ambassador or Promotions Specialist

Advancement To:

Senior Field Interviewer / Field Team Leader
Field Supervisor / Field Manager
Data Quality Monitor or Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Research Assistant (Office-based)
Qualitative Data Coder

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive, in-depth interviews with study participants in-person at their homes, in public locations, or remotely via telephone/video calls, adhering strictly to a structured script and protocol.
Travel independently to assigned geographic territories and specific addresses to locate and make contact with potential respondents.
Skillfully recruit and screen potential participants to determine their eligibility for the study based on a complex set of criteria.
Clearly and concisely explain the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits to potential participants, and professionally obtain their informed consent.
Build immediate rapport and maintain a positive, professional, and neutral relationship with respondents to encourage participation and ensure high-quality responses.
Accurately and verbatim record respondent answers into a computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) system on a laptop or tablet, ensuring no data is lost or misinterpreted.
Manage and organize a caseload of assigned households or individuals, strategically planning routes and schedules to maximize contact and completion rates.
Maintain strict confidentiality of all respondent information and collected data, following rigorous data security and privacy protocols (e.g., HIPAA, PII protection).
Master the content and flow of complex survey instruments, including intricate skip patterns, branching logic, and randomized questions.
Troubleshoot and resolve common technical issues with data collection equipment (laptops, tablets, mobile hotspots) while in the field.
Persuade and motivate reluctant individuals to participate in the study, professionally addressing their concerns and highlighting the value of their contribution.
Adhere to rigorous quality control standards, including performing self-checks on completed interviews to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
Meet or exceed established performance metrics, such as response rates, interview completion quotas, and data quality targets, within specified project deadlines.
Maintain regular, proactive communication with your Field Supervisor regarding your progress, challenges, and any unusual situations encountered.

Secondary Functions

Meticulously maintain and submit detailed records of hours worked, mileage, and other work-related expenses in a timely manner.
Participate in mandatory initial and ongoing training sessions, certification tests, and team meetings, both in-person and virtual.
Safely operate a motor vehicle and navigate unfamiliar areas using GPS and traditional maps to efficiently locate respondent addresses.
Provide constructive feedback to the project team on survey questions, recruitment materials, and field procedures to help improve the research process.
Ensure all project-issued equipment, including laptops, mobile devices, and ID badges, is kept secure and in good working condition.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis by ensuring a high level of detail and context in any collected qualitative notes.
Follow all established safety protocols and procedures to ensure personal security while working in the field during various hours, including evenings and weekends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CAPI/CATI Proficiency: Experience using Computer-Assisted Personal/Telephone Interviewing software (e.g., Blaise, Surveybe, Qualtrics) for data entry.
Mobile Technology: High level of comfort using tablets (iPad, Android), laptops, smartphones, and associated applications for data collection and communication.
GPS & Navigation: Ability to expertly use GPS devices and digital mapping applications (Google Maps, Waze) for efficient route planning.
Data Management: Basic understanding of data entry protocols, secure data transmission, and the importance of data integrity.
Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in using applications like Outlook for email, Excel for tracking, and Word for reporting.

Soft Skills

Interpersonal & Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and build trust with individuals from highly diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Resilience & Persuasion: The ability to remain positive and persistent when facing rejection, and to gently persuade reluctant individuals to participate.
Independence & Self-Discipline: A proven self-starter who can work independently with minimal direct supervision, managing their own schedule and workload effectively.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Capacity to think on your feet, adapt to unexpected situations, and solve problems creatively while adhering to project protocols.
Organization & Time Management: Strong skills in planning, scheduling, and prioritizing tasks to efficiently manage a caseload and meet strict deadlines.
Empathy & Professionalism: The ability to handle sensitive or personal topics with tact, empathy, and a high degree of professionalism and neutrality.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy in all aspects of the job, from following scripts verbatim to entering data without errors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology)
Communications
Public Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a role requiring significant public interaction.

Preferred:

Prior experience as a field interviewer, census taker, or canvasser for a research organization.
Experience in customer service, sales, or community outreach roles that involve meeting metrics and engaging with the public.
Experience working with diverse populations and a demonstrated ability to be culturally competent.
A valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and access to a reliable, insured personal vehicle for business use is often required.