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3.3 Field Supervisors
Field supervisors were the first-level supervisors of the interviewers conducting the data
collection in each of the states. The FSs assigned work, monitored progress, resolved problems,
and managed the day-to-day activities of the interviewers. Each FS reported directly to an RS.
Each RS's team of FSs was available to substitute during vacations of primary FSs and to help
with FI recruiting, problem resolution, and mentoring of new FIs as needed.
At the beginning of 2003 there were 55 FS positions. During the year, two staff left the
FS position, one at the end of April and the other at the end of June. In each case, management
realigned responsibilities so that current FSs absorbed the additional work. At the end of 2003,
there were 53 FSs (see Exhibit 3.1).
3.4 Field Interviewers and Traveling Field Interviewers
One of the primary FS functions was the continuous recruiting and hiring of the FI staff
needed to complete the data collection work each quarter. FSs used multiple recruiting
approaches to identify candidates, including:
• identifying interviewers who worked on previous NSDUH surveys;
• reviewing the National Interviewer File that lists interviewers who have worked for
RTI at any time during the past 10 years;
• networking;
• placing newspaper advertisements and posting informative job flyers;
• contacting job service agencies; and
• using Internet job advertising and search services.
Networking involved any or all of the following contacts:
• other field supervisors;
• RTI staff working on other surveys with potential FIs available;
• other survey research organizations; and
• other field interviewers (current NSDUH FIs recommending successful candidates
received a recruiting bonus).
A competitive hourly wage was offered to attract a large pool of candidates. Those with general
interviewing experience, and especially those with experience working on government surveys,
were given preference in hiring. However, candidates with transferable skills and experience—
such as contact with the public, attention to detail, and organizational skills—were considered.
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