Student Assistant - Field Research Coordinator - Age 21+ (Open to Students and Non-Students)

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Sacramento State is seeking to hire 20 student assistants to work with our research team on the Young Adult Tobacco Purchase Survey Project (YATPS). The project’s purpose is to assess the rate of tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 in California.

The role of the Field Research Coordinator (FRC) is to travel with a Secret Shopper partner (ages 16 to 19) throughout California, and to record field observations and purchase attempt data on a tablet device. The Field Research Coordinator will be responsible for travel planning and driving rental cars. Research teams will travel over weekends and on academic breaks.  All training and travel time are paid for. Accommodations and rental car provided. Meal stipend provided for overnight trips. Flexible schedule to accommodate school schedules.

You must be 21 years or older to apply for this position. Students and non-students are welcome to apply. 

Conditions of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

UEI does not allow employees to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one college or center per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI position for a different UEI  position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (i.e., degree, license, or official transcript), DMV clearance.   Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

Prerequisites

Current students: must be enrolled in at least six-semester units (undergrad) or four-semester units (graduate) students.

Non-students: No school enrollment requirements. Note, non-students will be classified in the “casual employee” category, which has a limit of 19.5 hours per week. This weekly hour limit cannot be exceeded at any point for duration of assignment.

Majors/Fields of Study

All Majors Welcome.

Work Schedule

Flexible workdays and work hours. Most work/travel takes place on weekends only. Final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Work will begin in January 2027 and conclude at the end of May 2027.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 20 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring & summer).

Casual employees/non-students are limited to 19.5 hours total per week during the academic year as well as during breaks.

Compensation

$21.00 per hour

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must be legally eligible to drive in California, complete and pass an online training course, maintain a good driving record, and be acceptable for vehicle insurance coverage under the University Enterprises insurance plan. Must continue to meet the established driving standards, driving record will be monitored with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure compliance.
• Must be able to drive rental car and/or take plane to California destinations.
• Must be available for travel on weekends and over school breaks.
• Must be reliable and dependable for all scheduled travel.
• Must be able to follow all study protocols as directed by supervisor.
• Upon offer of employment, be able to submit verification of your legal right to work in the United States without a need for sponsorship now or in the future. University Enterprises, Inc. is not a sponsoring agency (i.e. H-1B Visa).

Preferred Qualifications

• Taken at least one course in research methods, or equivalent work experience in research-related field (not required for the role).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Travel by car or plane to reach destinations.
• Drive rental car for extended periods of time.
• Follow project protocols and ensure travel partner “secret shopper” adheres to all procedures by maintaining. consistency in data collection.
• Conduct field observations at retail locations throughout the state of California.
• Accurately enter data into a tablet device.
• Communicate with ISR staff to relay crucial travel or data-related circumstances.
• Punctual attendance at all project trainings and in-person meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of all travel expenses, project logs, and hours worked.
• Attend in-person meetings before and immediately following each trip.
• Travel with rotating partners.
• Coordinate trips and travel with Secret Shopper partner.
• Optimize travel routes and drive between retail locations provided by ISR staff.
• Adhere to all safety rules and protocols when traveling including driver’s safety, youth safety, and FAA regulations.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a traveling environment and office environment. Travel destinations are within California only.

Application Instructions

Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the “Educational Experience” section and any employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of our application.

Please include your resume & Cover letter encouraged, but not required

Apply by: 12/01/2026