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.

We are currently seeking Technical Assistants to work on the National School Foods Study that Mathematica is conducting for the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The positions will be remote and will span January to June 2025. Technical Assistants will assist over 1,000 School Nutrition Managers (SNMs) in completing the Menu Survey. The Menu Survey is a self-administered, web-based survey that spans a full school week and collects detailed information about the food served in schools.

Essential Functions

• Assist School Nutrition Managers (SNMs) in completing the Menu Survey for the National School Foods Study and ensure it is done 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 online system
• Manages activities for multiple schools simultaneously under deadline pressure   

Position Requirements:

• BA/BS degree or prior experience as a technical assistant, data collector, or coder on other FNS studies, such as the School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Studies (SNDA), School Nutrition and Meal Cost Studies (SNMCS), or Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care (SNACS) studies  
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with navigating online computer programs
• Ability to develop rapport, motivate, and maintain positive relationship 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 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 and work through the end of June 2025 if needed /(Please note: Training will be a 32-hour week. After training, Technical Assistants may start out with fewer hours but can increase as data collection ramps up.)/ //

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Hourly pay rate for this position is $20/hour
• Convenience of a fully remote position
• Paid training and ongoing support
• Flexibility in hours and possible early morning/night work if interested to accommodate various time zones

Join us and work on this important, national study!

Available Locations: Remote

#remote-usa

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.