Payplan-series-gradeGG-0303-04
MR#SA5944
TitleFIELD REPRESENTATIVE
Exempt?NON-EXEMPT
Introduction: This position is located in the Regional Offices of Field Division which are responsible for the collection of a variety of data.

The purpose of this position is to locate and interview respondents to collect data on a short-term survey such as American Housing National Sample or American Housing Metropolitan Sample, Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife, and so on.

This position is covered by the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act because it is identified with criteria for non- exempt positions.
Major Duties Attends classroom training sessions to review detailed survey procedures and techniques. Receives detailed training on revised or new survey procedures for each field operation to which assigned.

Maintains personal payroll records which reflect hours worked, miles driven, and reimbursements for travel and communications claimed. Payroll information is completed and submitted following instructions provided in administrative materials.

Reports progress and costs as required by supervisor and assures that assignments are completed and transmitted to the regional office on time.

Receives and completes assignments which may include listing units at specific addresses, subsegmenting, and conduction interviews with respondents either by personal visit or by telephone. Explains the purpose of the survey, asking questions as worded on the survey forms, and recording data accurately and completely. Interviews are completed using sound interviewing and probing techniques learned in training and by applying a thorough understanding of survey objectives, detailed procedures and instructional manuals. Using established procedures, contacts refusal cases to persuade them to cooperate.

Completes reinterview and observation classroom training and/or self-study training to conduct reinterviews or observations of new interviewers. Reports results of these activities according to established procedures.

The incumbent reports to a supervisory field representative, survey statistician, and/or other higher level employee. Training, particularly on new surveys is extensive and work is reviewed through observation and reinterview. The nature of the work requires a very high degree of independence in scheduling work hours and conducting interviews in an unstructured environment without close supervision.

Physical Demands

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.
Grading Criteria Factor 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 820Unique Position RequirementsNone