Undergraduate Urban Heat Summer Research Assistant; Student

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This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

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College of Arts & Sciences

Part time

Non-Exempt

The Undergraduate Field Research Assistant will support an urbanheat field study conducted in partnership with the DC Department of Transportation. The position involves collecting meteorologicalmeasurements at sites across Washington, DC during the summer underthe 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 session sin summer 2026 is preferred, though candidates available for onlyone session will also be considered.

• Operate handheld infrared thermometers to measure surfacetemperatures at designated grid points within each studyplot.
• Complete field survey forms accurately, recording siteconditions, shading, and any notable observations at eachmeasurement point.
• Assist the graduate research assistant with instrument setup, deployment, and pack-down at each site.
• Transport field equipment within study plots using a wheeledfield cart.
• Follow all standardized measurement protocols as directed bythe graduate research assistant.

• Assist with equipment preparation and loading before fielddays.
• Support data entry and basic quality checks following fieldsessions as needed.
• Communicate any equipment issues or site concerns to the graduate research assistant promptly.

• Part-time.
• 20 - 30 hours per week.

• $19.00 per hour.

• Enrolled AU undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Reliability and punctuality are essential; field operationsdepend 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 standardizedprocedures consistently.

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

• Approximately 30 hours per week during two field sessions insummer 2026 (late June/early July and mid-August). Availability for both sessions is preferred.

• 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.
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