Community Field Researcher / Door Knocker

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Urban Heat in Homes and Communities research project examines how residents in Auckland neighbourhoods (Likely Ōtāhuhu and Papatoetoe) experience and adapt to summer heat exposure. Led by Victoria University of Wellington in partnership with the Climate Club (a non-profit organisation) and Auckland Council, this study gathers ground-level evidence to inform local heat mitigation policies and better protect local neighbourhoods.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are recruiting 12 to 15 volunteer door knockers to support doorstep surveying across the two selected residential neighbourhoods. Working in pairs, volunteer field researchers introduce the study to residents, obtain informed consent, and guide interested participants through a short 15–20 minute questionnaire.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 - Doorstep Engagement: Visit targeted residential addresses in pairs to introduce the study using clear, non-technical language.
 - Administer Surveys: Guide residents through a 15–20 minute questionnaire on tablets or paper forms, recording responses regarding indoor/outdoor heat experiences, cooling habits, and green space preferences.
 - Informed Consent & Ethics: Provide printed participant information sheets, explain voluntary participation rights, and obtain written or implied consent per university ethics standards.
 - Participant Materials: Hand out thank-you cards, native tree sapling arrangement details, and online survey cards to participants. Leave information cards in letterboxes when households are unreachable.
 - Secure Data Handling: Place completed paper surveys in sealed envelopes, keep them in lockable field bags, and hand them over to the field coordinator after each shift.
 - Community Venue Sessions: Optionally support drop-in survey tables at local community halls or libraries.

TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULE

 - Campaign Duration: Data collection runs across a 6 to 8 week recruitment period (Likely between Nov '26 - Jan '27).
 - Shift Options: Flexible shifts arranged in pairs. Standard field hours occur on Monday–Friday (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) and Saturdays (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

WHAT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE

 - Comprehensive Paid Training: Complete 4 hours of mandatory training split across two half-day sessions covering research ethics, survey protocols, cultural competence, and field safety.
 - Equipment & Identification: Receive official branded ID badges, clipboards, and field materials.
 - On-Ground Guidance: Direct support and daily supervision from a locally based Research Assistant and university researchers.
 - Skill Building & Community Impact: Gain practical experience in social research, climate advocacy, and community outreach while helping shape local climate resilience planning.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

 - Strong connection to or respect for the diverse communities of Ōtāhuhu and Papatoetoe.
 - Friendly interpersonal communication skills and comfort speaking with residents at their front doors.
 - Reliability, commitment to participant privacy, and adherence to ethical survey protocols.
 - Must carry a functional smartphone in working order