Graduate Urban Heat Summer Research (Student)

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This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

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College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Summary:

The Graduate Research Assistant will support an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves leading a small field team to collect meteorological measurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer. The ideal candidate has experience with environmental field research, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in outdoor conditions. Availability for two short sessions in summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for only one session will also be considered.

Essential Functions:

1.) Field Data Collection

• Lead a four-person field team during data collection sessions at paired treatment and control sites across Washington, DC.

• Deploy, operate, and monitor meteorological instruments including heat stress trackers, infrared thermometers, black globe thermometers, and dataloggers.

• Execute standardized measurement protocols at each site, including surface temperature grid measurements and continuous instrument logging.

• Ensure simultaneous measurement at treatment and control sites by coordinating with the paired field team.

• Complete field survey forms documenting site conditions, weather, and any anomalies at each visit.

2.) Team Leadership and Logistics

• Supervise two undergraduate field assistants, providing on-site direction and quality oversight.

• Plan daily field operations in coordination with the Principal Investigator and research manager, including site routing, equipment preparation, and scheduling.

• Communicate field day status, data quality issues, and logistical needs to the PI and research manager in a timely manner.

• Perform daily instrument calibration checks and equipment maintenance.

3.) Data Management

• Download and back up instrument data at the end of each field day.

• Perform initial quality checks on collected data and flag anomalies for review.

• Assist with data processing and analysis following the field period.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.

• 20 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $21.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Enrolled graduate student in good academic standing.

• Prior experience with environmental or field-based research.

• Familiarity with meteorological or environmental monitoring instruments is an asset.

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to plan and lead field operations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work outdoors in hot summer conditions for extended periods.

• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working on or near public streets in an urban environment.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Approximately 20 hours per week, during two field sessions in summer 2026 (late June/early July and mid-August). Availability for both sessions is preferred.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities 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.

 

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

 

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