Field Assistant

Title: Field Assistant (Part-Time)

Location: New York United States

Job Description:

Department Biodiversity - 022

Position Summary

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), in the Science division, works to transform knowledge from multiple sources and perspectives into conservation action through three focal areas:

• Applied biodiversity research that is linked to conservation action or outcomes.
• Capacity development for conservation.
• Convening and connecting of multiple audiences and actors for conservation problem-solving.

The CBC is seeking a part-time Field Assistant to assist researchers with research tasks and activities related to biodiversity conservation projects. These tasks include bibliographic and archival research, data collection (both biophysical and social data) from Museum collections and the field, and data management and analysis. These positions will focus on supporting CBC’s social science research around aquatic wildlife harvesting in New York City. This work will include interacting with harvesters/fishers to understand their motivations and practices through observation, discussions, and interviews at urban fishing sites across the city.

Each Field Assistant will work up to 40 seven-hour days or an equivalent number of hours. Due to the logistics of this fieldwork, hours per week will vary. This is a term position with the majority of its workload expected to occur before June 2027.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist CBC researchers with social and biophysical data collection from Museum collections and the field, including social science fieldwork such as interview assistance and, as feasible, translation.
• Complete relevant training as needed.
• Assist with data management, data entry, data analysis, sharing and presentation in multiple settings.
• Conduct bibliographic and archival research.

The expected salary for the Field Assistant is $20/hour. This position is overtime-eligible.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish with fluency or at a professional proficiency that enables the facilitation of data collection at field sites of relevance to current CBC projects.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and improve social science research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience or college-level training in social science fieldwork.
• Familiarity with fishing or other related aquatic wildlife harvesting practices.
• Demonstrated interest in social science research focusing on the waterways of New York City and/or the wildlife harvesting/fishing practices occurring there.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.

   

  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

CategoryPart-Time/Term

Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period20

Union StatusNon-Union

FLSANon-Exempt

Expected Salary Minimum$20/hour

Expected Salary Maximum$20/hour

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Posting Detail Information

Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Are you able to speak and understand Spanish with fluency or at a professional proficiency that enables the facilitation of data collection at field sites of relevance to current CBC projects?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter