Undergraduate Urban Heat Summer Research Assistant (Student)

Location: Main Campus (Washington, DC)

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

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Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type: Part time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

The Undergraduate Field Research Assistant will support an urban heat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves collecting meteorological measurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer under the direction of a graduate research assistant. The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable working outdoors in hot conditions for extended periods, and eager to gain hands-on experience in environmental field research. 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

Operate handheld infrared thermometers to measure surface temperatures at designated grid points within each study plot.

Complete field survey forms accurately, recording site conditions, shading, and any notable observations at each measurement point.

Assist the graduate research assistant with instrument setup, deployment, and pack-down at each site.

Transport field equipment within study plots using a wheeled field cart.

Follow all standardized measurement protocols as directed by the graduate research assistant.

2.) General Support

Assist with equipment preparation and loading before field days.

Support data entry and basic quality checks following field sessions as needed.

Communicate any equipment issues or site concerns to the graduate research assistant promptly.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part-time.

20 - 30 hours per week.

Salary Range:

$19.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

Enrolled AU undergraduate student in good academic standing.

Reliability and punctuality are essential; field operations depend on full team availability.

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

Comfortable working on or near public streets in an urban environment.

Attention to detail and ability to follow standardized procedures consistently.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Prior research or fieldwork experience is an asset but not required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Approximately 30 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.

Contact Us

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