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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Field Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

Environmental ScienceResearchConstructionAgricultureArchaeology

🎯 Role Definition

A Field Assistant is a dynamic and essential team member who provides hands-on support for projects conducted outside of a traditional office environment. This role is the backbone of field operations, responsible for executing a wide range of tasks from data and sample collection to equipment maintenance and logistical support. Whether working in environmental consulting, scientific research, construction, or archaeology, the Field Assistant ensures that projects run smoothly, data is collected accurately, and safety standards are upheld. This position is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented individual who thrives in an outdoor setting and is eager to gain practical, real-world experience in their chosen industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (Environmental Science, Biology, Geology, etc.)
  • Internship or Co-op in a related field
  • Volunteer with a research or conservation organization
  • General Laborer or skilled trade background

Advancement To:

  • Field Technician or Senior Field Technician
  • Research Associate
  • Field Supervisor or Crew Lead
  • Project Coordinator or Assistant Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Lab Assistant / Laboratory Technician
  • GIS Technician
  • Data Entry Clerk / Data Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct systematic field surveys and data collection using established scientific protocols and standardized methodologies.
  • Collect, properly label, preserve, and transport a variety of samples, including soil, water, air, vegetation, or biological specimens, ensuring chain of custody and sample integrity.
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on a wide array of technical field equipment, such as GPS/GNSS units, data loggers, environmental sensors, and water quality meters.
  • Assist in the establishment, monitoring, and demobilization of field research sites, which includes installing monitoring equipment, setting up plots, and site restoration.
  • Maintain meticulously detailed, accurate, and legible field notes, logs, and data sheets, documenting all observations, activities, and ambient environmental conditions.
  • Navigate to and from remote and often challenging field locations using maps, compass, and GPS technology, frequently requiring hiking over rough terrain or operating 4x4 vehicles.
  • Strictly adhere to all company and client-specific Health and Safety protocols (HSE), participate in safety briefings, and actively promote a culture of safety on site.
  • Support senior staff and project managers with logistical planning, including the preparation of field gear, inventory management of supplies, and pre-trip vehicle inspections.
  • Perform initial data entry and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks on all collected field data to ensure accuracy and completeness for future analysis.
  • Assist in the preparation of daily field reports, progress summaries, and other project-related documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Identify and document flora and fauna, geological features, or archaeological artifacts as required by the specific project scope.
  • Provide general labor and operational support on construction or environmental remediation sites, including material handling, site cleanup, and supporting equipment operators.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the preparation and packing of field equipment and supplies, ensuring all necessary items are accounted for before mobilization.
  • Support the digital organization of field data, including scanning field notes, managing photo logs, and uploading data to central databases.
  • Participate in team meetings, contributing insights from field observations to inform project planning and strategy adjustments.
  • Aid in the training and mentoring of new interns or junior assistants on standard field procedures and safety protocols.
  • Conduct reconnaissance of potential new study sites to assess accessibility, safety, and suitability for project objectives.
  • Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions in the field to minimize downtime and maintain data collection schedules.
  • Communicate effectively with landowners, site managers, and other external stakeholders to facilitate access and coordinate field activities.
  • Assist with background research and literature reviews to support the development of field study plans and reports.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in operating and navigating with handheld GPS units and digital mapping applications.
  • Experience with environmental sampling techniques for various media (water, soil, air, sediment).
  • Ability to operate and maintain common field equipment and monitoring instruments.
  • Competency with data entry and management using software such as Microsoft Excel, and familiarity with mobile data collection apps (e.g., Fulcrum, Survey123).
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and experience operating 4x4 trucks on unpaved roads.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting and performing minor repairs on field equipment.
  • First Aid and CPR certification is often required or highly preferred.

Soft Skills

  • Strong observational skills and an exceptional level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing field conditions, weather, and project priorities.
  • High level of physical fitness and the ability to perform strenuous work for long hours outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a close-knit team.
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive attitude, even when faced with challenging or monotonous tasks.
  • Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for relaying information and documenting observations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biology / Ecology
  • Geology / Earth Science
  • Archaeology / Anthropology
  • Forestry / Agriculture
  • Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-2 years of experience in a related field. Experience can often be substituted for relevant education.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience working in an outdoor setting (e.g., trail crew, farming, landscaping) is highly valued.
  • Previous internship, co-op, or volunteer experience in a field-based research or technical role is a significant asset.
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