Entry-level data collection and research assistant needed for ongoing public-data work

We are looking for a reliable, detail-oriented freelancer to support the routine collection, documentation, and organization of publicly available education data. This is primarily a structured, non-technical data operations role. You will work from provided source lists, priorities, and documented instructions to find newly published datasets, download and organize files, record what you find, and keep our internal data catalog current. The work is a good fit for someone who enjoys systematic research, follows instructions carefully, communicates clearly, and can complete repetitive tasks without sacrificing accuracy. Responsibilities Your assignments may include: -Collecting public education data: Visit state education agency websites, public-data portals, and other assigned sources to locate and download datasets, reports, and supporting documentation. -Conducting targeted web research: Search public sources for specific education datasets and document whether the requested information is available, unavailable, or unclear. -Monitoring assigned sources: Review automated website-change alerts and periodically check assigned pages for new files, reports, or updates. -Logging new releases: Record details such as the source, publication date, applicable school year, file type, download link, and relevant notes. -Updating our data catalog: Keep Airtable records accurate as datasets are located, downloaded, reviewed, or handed off. -Organizing files: Save files in the correct folders and follow established file-naming and storage conventions. -Identifying potential issues: Flag broken links, inaccessible websites, missing files, unusual format changes, unclear documentation, or other concerns for review. -Running existing tools occasionally: Some assignments may involve running an existing Python script or making a very small documented adjustment when information is not available as a direct download. This is an occasional secondary task, not the primary focus of the role. We are continuing to automate portions of this workflow. Over time, the mix of assignments may shift toward reviewing automated results, handling exceptions, validating files, and researching sources that cannot be processed automatically. What we are looking for -Excellent attention to detail -Reliable and consistent with assigned work -Able to follow documented, repeatable processes -Comfortable conducting structured online research -Comfortable working with spreadsheets, web-based tools, and shared file systems -Able to organize and document information clearly -Comfortable with steady, repetitive work -Willing to flag uncertainty instead of making unsupported assumptions -Able to work independently and provide clear progress updates Helpful but not required -Experience with data entry, data collection, online research, or file organization -Experience with Airtable -Familiarity with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel -Experience working with government, education, or other public datasets -Familiarity with website-monitoring tools such as Visualping -Basic familiarity with Python or running existing scripts Advanced programming, statistical analysis, and data science experience are not required. A successful freelancer will: -Locate the correct datasets and supporting materials -Distinguish between a publication date, reporting period, and school year -Follow naming, storage, and documentation standards consistently -Maintain accurate and complete catalog records -Notice unusual changes or potential data-quality concerns -Clearly document unavailable or inaccessible information -Complete assigned work on schedule -Require minimal correction of preventable errors Please begin your proposal with the phrase “public data” so we know you have read the complete posting.