The candidate reference number is sent via email once the electronic application is submitted. You need this number for the entire application process. If you have misplaced it, please email TRCjobs@westat.com".
If you have created a user name and password, you may login to the system and update your contact information at any time.
You will be contacted by us within a week of the successful completion of each step in the application. If it has been longer than a week since you completed the last application step and you have not received an email from us, please send an email to TRCjobs@westat.com".
You will need a reliable Windows-based PC (not Mac or Apple) with at least Windows 10 as the operating system. This computer will need to be in a room that is private and secure during your work hours. The computer will need to be wired to the Internet (not wireless) and you will need a wired telephone connection (VOIP and/or digital voice services are permitted), a corded phone, and a hands-free corded headset. You may use your cell phone as long as the phone remains connected to a power source (plugged in) while working. If using your cell phone the headset must also be corded and connected to the phone (Bluetooth headphones/earphones are not permitted). You will also need a printer and a web cam that has video and audio functionality.
Westat does not provide support for problems with your computer system, and you will need to take your computer to your local computer service center. If you are experiencing problems with Westat interviewing, training, or work-related software, and you are an employee, you will be able to email our computer personnel.
No. Please connect your PC directly to your modem or router.
Satellite signals are not reliable for data submission in real time.
Westat does not reimburse for computers, accessories, or software.
Notification will occur via our Scheduling Website an email notification will be sent from TRCSQL1_APPL1@westat.com to the data collector's email on file. Because some emails roll to junk or spam, these folders should be monitored as well.
Westat uses web-based training and teleconferences to train data collectors.
If selected for employment, you will be invited to train based on the hours of availability you provided. If you are not available to train, you may be asked to train up to two more times before we will assume that you are no longer interested in pursuing employment.
You will be notified via email.
No. Westat does not currently allow data collectors to request to work on specific projects. Projects are staffed according to our business needs. Data collectors are selected for a particular project based on their availability, skill set, and the project's needs.
The hiring process has multiple steps which must be completed before you can begin working.
Westat has staff available through instant messenger and email that can help with work-related problems or questions.
Financial compensation for TRC data collectors is based on three criteria: performance, skills, and hours of work. A specific study may pay a special rate based on the special needs of that project. However, the special rate is for that study only and will not be maintained if the data collector moves to other studies.
Westat pays for training. This pay is based on a data collector's hourly rate and the number of hours allotted for the training. You must record your time accurately for all hours that you spend performing your assigned tasks. It is a serious offense to record time inaccurately and may result in termination of employment.
Westat paychecks are issued on Fridays for the prior week (Monday-Sunday). To be paid on time, data collectors must submit correctly completed timesheets by Sunday midnight EST for work done during the previous week. Taking advantage of direct deposit will allow for the quickest payment.
Yes, as a Westat employee you will have payroll taxes deducted based on your bracket and your state of residence.
Overtime hours are never scheduled. However, if in extenuating circumstances you work overtime, Westat will always abide by applicable overtime laws and regulations.
Yes. There is a night differential that begins after 9 p.m. in your time zone and a weekend differential for all weekend hours worked.
Yes. You will be paid for the allocated hours set for the training.
Data collectors are sent a weekly notice as to when they are permitted to begin the schedule registration process for the upcoming work week. Upon notification, they are permitted to register for shifts within the project’s hours of operation. These entries will appear as pending upon submission until such time that they are reviewed and given the Schedule Approved Status. Final schedules are available after 2 p.m. on Friday.
The schedule web site contains an Available Hours page. This page should always contain a data collector's current information in regards to the hours he or she is available to work. As overall availability changes, the data collector should update this page.
If a data collector needs certain days off, he or she should simply not schedule themselves for those days. If the need occurs after the schedule has been finalized, the data collector should follow standard call-off procedures. If the need for time off is long term, issues of this nature should be directed to the Data Collector Advisor in advance.
All work is to be performed in accordance with the Data Collector Code of Conduct and the specific procedures established by the TRC. It is unethical and fraudulent to submit any work represented as data that was not collected from sample respondents. Any violation may result in termination of employment and may violate U.S. Government laws regarding scientific integrity. A violation may also lead to other actions by Westat, such as court action and claims for monetary damages.
To ensure quality, Westat monitors the work of TRC data collectors by listening on the line while the data collection activities are in progress. The results of these quality assurance procedures are routinely used by team leaders to counsel and evaluate data collectors. Monitoring is conducted only by individuals authorized by the manager of the TRC. Westat also employs unannounced visits to your home office and web cam monitoring to ensure workspace requirements are being met. Consent to quality assurance and workspace audit activities is required to be considered for employment.
Your employment relationship with Westat is an “at will” relationship, meaning that you and Westat have voluntarily entered into a working relationship and both have the right to end the relationship at any time for no reason or for any reason that is not illegal. If Westat finds it necessary to terminate your employment, we will do so by verbal or written notice to you. Westat will pay for all authorized services performed up to the termination date.
If you decide to terminate your employment with Westat, please give either verbal or written notice to your Data Collector Advisor at least 2 weeks before the date on which you plan to stop work.
Your employment may be terminated by Westat:
We have found it more efficient to respond to questions via email. Sometimes we may seek to reach you via telephone.
Our staff members receive hundreds of email a day and will answer them in the order which they were received. In some cases a staff member may be checking on the answer to your question. Please be patient and remember that most of our offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours EST.
Please include your name, candidate reference number, and phone number, as well as a short, concise message.
Sign into your applicant account and change your information there. If you are between projects, fill out the change of information form.