Position Description:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public-and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development.

Mathematica is seeking Field Data Collectors Team Leaders to work on the 2024—2025 National School Foods Study, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The study will provide a comprehensive picture of school-based nutrition programs including nutritional quality, cost, acceptability of school meals, and changes in food acquisitions and purchase practices. Study information will be collected through computer-assisted interviews, and observations of childcare environments and the meals and snacks consumed by children. Data collection will take place in school districts nationwide from January through June 2025..

Responsibilities may vary based on project placement, and will include any of the following:

• Coordinate and oversee a team of up to three people oversee onsite data collection tasks.
• Conduct previsit calls with school contacts to confirm visits and reschedule as needed.
• Meet regularly with project supervisors and report on site progress.
• Troubleshoot any issues and work with their team and project supervisors to resolve issues.
• Collect and review all hardcopy paperwork and ensure it’s complete and correct before shipping back to project supervisors.
• Conducting observations of school meal environments and/or measurements of foods offered, consumed, and wasted.
• Conducting interviews and dietary recalls with students, parents/caregivers, and staff.
• Safeguarding any participant incentives, issued equipment, or project materials against damage, loss, or theft.
• Maintaining confidentiality of project and participant information.
• Submitting timely and accurate Time & Expense reports (travel time and mileage is fully reimbursable).

Position Requirements:

• Experience supervising or leading a team.
• Experience teaching, training, accounting, providing school nutrition services, or conducting computer-assisted surveys is preferred.
• Experience working in school environments and professional settings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills.
• Computer skills, including email and internet proficiency.
• Effective time, schedule, and workload management skills to meet set deadlines and a commitment to reliability and high-quality productivity.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable personal automobile available for business use.
• Ability to work a minimum of 25 hours per week for the duration of the project. Must be available to travel out of town for up to one week at a time and travel for at least 15 weeks out of the 20 week data collection schedule.   

All hires will be required to attend a one-week project training in January 2025, in-person at our Princeton office location. Attendance and successful completion of all scheduled training sessions is required to work on the project.

This position offers an hourly rate of $24 per hour.

This position is categorized as on-call, and as such, the hours may at times vary based on project needs. Your employment will be classified as on-call until the duration of the project(s) or need(s) is complete.

Available Locations: Huntsville, AL; Anchorage; AK; Phoenix, AZ; Little Rock, AK; Los Angeles, CA; Denver; CO; Bridgeport, CT; Wilmington, DE; Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Des Moines, IA; Wichita, KS; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; Jackson, MS; Kansas City, MO; Billings, MT; Omaha, NE; Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Fargo, ND; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Providence, RI; Charleston, SC; Sioux Falls, SD; Nashville, TN; Houston, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Burlington, VT; Virginia Beach, VA; Seattle, WA; Charleston, WV; Milwaukee, WI; Cheyenne, WY