FR GS-5 SA5843

Payplan-series-gradeGS-0303-05
MR#SA5843
Title: FIELD REPRESENTATIVE
Exempt?: NON-EXEMPT
Introduction: The purpose of this position is to conduct field interviews on current, continuing surveys in regular as well as designated difficult-to-enumerate areas (X-areas). Generally, incumbents have full or partial X-area assignments every month, filling in for vacancies on the X-area interviewer staff. When X-areas are fully staffed, incumbents will work regular assignments in or near the metropolitan area.

This position is non-exempt from coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Major DutiesReceives training on the survey or census to which assigned. Learns the nature, scope and objectives of the survey and the specific procedures to be followed in data collection.

Contacts respondents, explain the purpose of the census or survey and obtains and records the data on prescribed schedule forms. Attempts to assure accurate and complete answers to all survey questions.

On occasion may do reinterview of initial interviews conducted in the X- areas. Reports differences to appropriate supervisor.

As required, assists with the clerical processing in the regional office.

As necessary does observations and contacts refusals in an effort to obtain cooperation.

Does other duties as assigned.

Incumbent reports to Supervisory Field Representative in the field, and to a survey technician or statistician in the regional office. Training is extensive and work is subject to review in the form of spot checks, observation and reinterview. Incumbent must have a high degree of skill in field interviewing techniques and be able to gain respondent cooperation in difficult-to-enumerate areas. While guidelines exist in the form of detailed procedures and instructions, incumbent must be able to improvise to meet
unusual enumeration problems.

Grading CriteriaFactor 1 – Knowledge Required by the Position – FL – 1-3 350 pts

Knowledge of verbatim survey guides in order to conduct data collection surveys accurately.

Ability to apply appropriate interviewing techniques to follow up on problems and/or to clarify questionable responses from respondents.

Factor 2 – Supervisory Controls – FL 2-2 125 pts.

The incumbent works under the supervision of a Field Supervisor. Routine work is done independently; judgment and initiative are required in solving problems. Difficult situations are referred to the supervisor for resolution. Work is reviewed according to whether or not it meets Bureau deadlines and quality standards.

Factor 3 – Guidelines – FL 3.2 125pts

Guidelines include verbatim survey scripts, survey manuals and directives, Field Division policy memoranda from headquarters, and any internal polices and procedures established by the Regional Office.

The employees solves problems by applying guidelines. Exceptional cases are referred to the supervisor.

Factor 4 – Complexity – FL 4-2 75pts

Incumbent provides all clerical support required for conducting data collection activities in a regional office and provides assistance to the field supervisor. The incumbent must be able to determine and apply best solution to a variety of problems.

Factor 5 – Scope and Effect – FL 5-2 75 pts.

The purpose of the work is to support the Regional Office’s data collection activities. This work contributes to the overall efficiency of the Bureau.

Factor 6 – Personal Contacts – FL 6-2 25 pts.

Contacts are with coworkers, members of the field interviewing staff, headquarters personnel and the general public who are asked to respond to survey questionnaires.

Factor 7 – Purpose of Contacts – FL 7-1 20 pts

Contacts with Field Supervisor, coworkers, and respondents in the general public.

Factor 8 – Physical Demands FL 8-2 20 pts.

The work requires some physical exertion. The employee must walk, stand, bend as necessary to handle mailing of questionnaires. Incumbent must have good hearing and the ability to read small print found on survey forms. Incumbent must be in good physical condition to drive, walk, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods of time. Incumbent is occasionally required to lift boxes of survey materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Factor 9 – Work Environment – FL 9-1 5 pts.

The work is performed in an field setting.

Total points 895 Grade 5, Point Range: 855-1100 pts.

Unique Position RequirementsNone