Data Collection Associate Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Employment Type

• Part-time employee (less than 30 hours per week)
• Employed through an Employer of Record (EOR)
• Hourly, non-exempt position
• Ongoing role, with work assigned on a recurring, project-based basis

Job Summary

We are hiring part-time Retail Data Collection Associates to conduct in-store data collection across multiple retail locations within a designated territory. This is a field-based position requiring regular driving between stores and adherence to a structured visit schedule.

Associates will use a mobile application to capture high-quality images of product shelves for data analysis. Work is project-based but ongoing, with variable hours (<30 hours/week) and typically 2–3 active work weeks per month.

All associates must successfully complete required training and onboarding certification before beginning fieldwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive to and visit assigned retail store locations within your designated territory
• Typical distance between stores: up to ~9 miles apart
• Complete approximately ~50 store visits per month (subject to project scope)
• Execute store visits using a mobile app to:
• • Follow assigned visit plans (pre-determined locations and timing)
  • Capture high-quality, complete images of product shelves
  • Ensure all data meets quality standards:
  • Full shelf coverage (top-to-bottom, left-to-right)
  • Straight-on alignment (no angled photos)
  • Clear, non-blurry images
• Follow task structure requirements (category-based collection rules)
• Upload data promptly after completing visits
• Report issues such as:
• • Closed or inaccessible stores
  • Missing or unclear assignments
  • Technical/app issues

Work Schedule & Structure

• Part-time, less than 30 hours per week
• Work is ongoing but project-based, typically 2–3 weeks per month
• Daily work consists of driving between multiple stores within a defined service area
• Visits must be completed within assigned time windows and deadlines

Compensation & Pay Transparency

• Pay Type: Hourly (non-exempt; eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law)
• Paid Time Includes:
• • Time spent performing in-store tasks
  • Travel time between assigned store locations during the workday

This role does not guarantee a minimum number of weekly or monthly hours. Hours are dependent on project availability and assignment volume.

Travel, Mileage & Reimbursement

• Associates are expected to drive their personal vehicle between assigned store locations
• Typical store routes are geographically grouped, with locations generally within ~9 miles of each other
• Travel time between stores is compensated as hours worked
• Mileage reimbursement is provided where required by applicable law or contract terms
• If applicable, reimbursement will be aligned with standard business mileage rates or state-specific requirements
• Employees are responsible for maintaining:
• • Valid driver’s license
  • Insurance coverage as required by law

Training & Onboarding

• Completion of mandatory training is required prior to being scheduled for fieldwork
• Training includes:
• • Mobile app usage
  • Image capture standards
  • Task and quality requirements
• Associates must demonstrate ability to meet quality standards before being placed into production
• Ongoing performance is monitored through quality checks and feedback

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle
• Willingness and ability to drive between multiple retail locations daily
• Smartphone (iOS or Android) capable of running required application
• Reliable internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
• Ability to:
• • Stand and walk for extended periods
  • Navigate retail environments independently
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in:
• • Retail merchandising
  • Field data collection, auditing, or mystery shopping
  • Experience in route-based or multi-location work environments
  • Familiarity with grocery or retail store layouts

Work Environment

• Field-based role in retail store environments (grocery, pharmacy, convenience stores)
• Frequent driving between locations is required
• Work performed independently with minimal supervision
• Interaction with store personnel and customers may occur

Performance Expectations

• Completion of assigned monthly store volume (~50 stores)
• Adherence to visit schedules and deadlines
• Consistent delivery of high-quality, usable data
• Full completion of required tasks before submission
• Timely upload of all collected data

Additional Role Requirements

• Work must be completed on the same device used to start each visit
• Store visits are pre-assigned and cannot be modified by associates
• Associates may be required to revisit stores if quality standards are not met