Westat is currently seeking motivated and detail-oriented individuals with a commitment to excellence to serve as screening field interviewers on the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. The PATH study collects information on tobacco and nicotine use, and examines the short- and long-term health effects of such use on people in the U.S.
The PATH Study employs a multi-mode approach to data collection that includes web and in-person data collection. Interviewers are required to locate sampled addresses and screen household members for a longitudinal study. Interviewers regularly receive and transmit data via the internet and report progress and costs to their supervisor.
Interested applicants are required to view the PATH interviewer video to learn more about this position prior to submitting an application. To view the video, click the link below:
PATH Study: The Field Interviewer's Job - Westat
Or cut and paste this URL into your browser:
https://www.westat.com/path-study-the-field-interviewers-job
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must:
-
Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
-
Be available and able to complete 20 – 25 hours of web-based training per week between August 3, 2026 and August 16, 2026. You will be required to communicate with your assigned supervisor multiple times per week during this time.
Minimum Requirements
-
Live in or around the geographic work area defined by the project sample
-
Be available to work during the data collection period from August 17 through December 31, 2026
-
Be available to work 20-25 hours per week, mostly evenings and weekends on specified days/times when work is available; 3 to 4 hours at a time. At times, more hours may be available.
-
Local travel to complete project work will be required.
-
Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations:
-
Lift and carry 20 pounds of equipment and materials.
-
Walk several blocks; and
-
Climb a flight of stairs carrying equipment.
-
Have regular and reliable access to telephone service with a long-distance calling feature, either landline or cellular.
-
Have regular and reliable access to a secure high-speed internet home connection.
-
Have consistent access to a fully insured, reliable vehicle. Must meet Westat’s minimum insurance coverage requirements.
-
Have a current and valid driver’s license that is not under suspension.
Preferred Criteria
-
In-person interviewing and/or cold calling experience
-
Experience working with the public.
-
Ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and socio-economic groups
-
Comfortable using a laptop computer
-
Able to establish and maintain good rapport with study respondents
-
Comfortable working in unfamiliar locations, knocking on doors
-
Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented
-
Ability to work independently
-
Work successfully in a team environment with little direct supervision
-
Individuals bilingual in English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.
-
Willingness to travel overnight if project assignments become available.
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This is a part-time, variable-hour, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for overtime pay. Potential for production bonus at client discretion. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance or a health savings account (HSA). To be eligible for health insurance and an HSA, you must work 1560 hours from September through September of the following year, with coverage beginning January 1 of the year after eligibility is satisfied.
This federal government project is subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA). The hourly rate for this position is determined by the location where work is performed. In addition to hourly pay, a health and welfare payment of $5.09, which may be reduced based on group benefit election, will be paid weekly for up to 40 work hours per week. This position is eligible for paid vacation and holiday leave based on hours worked.
All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules).
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of seven days, and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.
Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.
