Technical Assistant

$41,600 - $41,600/Yr

Mathematica Policy Research - Oklahoma City, OK

Part-time

Remote - Oklahoma City, OK

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Mathematica is seeking Technical Assistants to support the National School Foods Study for the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This remote position will involve assisting School Nutrition Managers in completing a web-based Menu Survey that collects detailed information about food served in schools. The role is crucial for ensuring timely and accurate data collection from over 1,000 SNMs, contributing to the improvement of school nutrition programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist School Nutrition Managers (SNMs) in completing the Menu Survey for the National School Foods Study in a timely manner.
• Communicate with SNMs by telephone and email to provide details about the Menu Survey, answer questions, and provide reminders and encouragement.
• Follow standardized procedures and scripts when contacting SNMs.
• Provide SNMs with guidance on technological aspects of the online system.
• Use judgment in helping SNMs resolve issues they may have in providing information.
• Track all activities and communications with SNMs in the online system.
• Manage activities for multiple schools simultaneously under deadline pressure.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree or prior experience as a technical assistant, data collector, or coder on other FNS studies.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with navigating online computer programs.
• Ability to develop rapport, motivate, and maintain positive relationships with SNMs.
• Flexibility, sensitivity, and patience in working with SNMs.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.
• Ability to work a minimum of 24 hours a week across 3 to 4 days a week (Monday-Friday).
• Ability to attend a four-day training session from January 14-January 17.

Nice-to-haves

• Background, knowledge, or experience in food service or nutrition.
• Degree in nutrition, political science, or related field.
• Telephone interviewing experience.

Benefits

• Hourly pay rate of $20/hour.
• Fully remote position.
• Paid training and ongoing support.
• Flexibility in hours and possible early morning/night work to accommodate various time zones.