EERI is in the process of updating its data file of members who wish to be considered for future post-earthquake reconnaissance teams. We encourage researchers and practitioners at all career levels to apply, particularly women and minorities. Currently, we are seeking volunteers to serve as Team Members, Information Technology Specialists, and Logistics Coordinators.

EERI is not able to compensate participants for the significant time these activities demand. Limited funding from NSF-Learning From Earthquakes Program support is usually available to reimburse travel and lodging expenses during the field research period. Team Members, Information Technology Specialists and Logistics Coordinators are expected to maintain updated passports. They must sign a hold-harmless statement before embarking into the field and are responsible for obtaining all necessary health and medical advice. Participants must be able to demonstrate they have proper inoculations and medical evacuation insurance prior to departure.

If you wish to be considered, please review the descriptions below, download and fill out the appropriate questionnaire, attach your current curriculum vitae, and submit both to EERI. Even if you have previously submitted and application or served on a Reconnaissance Team, please send an updated form at this time to be included in the new database.

Team Member Description

Reconnaissance Team members must be interested and capable persons representing each of the various disciplines determined to be important for the specific earthquake. Previous field investigation experience is desirable, but interest, availability and capability are also high-priority criteria. For earthquakes abroad, it is desirable that the Team Leader and some of the team members be able to speak the language of the area.

Field Investigators are expected to assess the nature and extent of damage, noting what did not fail as well as what did. In addition to documenting damage, field investigators should attempt to determine failure mode, factors that may have contributed to failure, what the implications of the damage are, and identify any secondary impacts. They should also note any recommendations that may improve seismic response.

Those chosen for a Reconnaissance Team will be given guidelines detailing their specific obligations for that earthquake. Team Members are expected to contribute to subsequent briefings, reports, articles, or other activities organized to disseminate information.

Team Member Application

IT Specialist Description

The Information Technology Specialists must be well-informed "techies", individuals who can help EERI take full advantage of the latest technological tools for information gathering and dissemination. Every EERI team will include one or more IT Specialists. Experience in recent earthquakes indicates that it is not sufficient to send equipment with the team without providing assistance in tits use and on-sire expertise; nor can we assume team members will be able to establish effective email communications from other countries. The IT Specialists will have expertise in all information and field technology and will train members of the EERI team, as well as individuals on other teams, in the proper use of equipment. The IT Specialist will work from the Clearinghouse. Contact with the EERI office and/or web site will be established for daily posting of field observations, information, digital photographs, etc. We links will be created to direct viewers from the EERI web site to other organizations and firms that have information on the earthquake, thereby expanding the clearinghouse concept globally.

Ideally, each team will have at least two IT Specialists, to allow each to take turns serving in the Clearinghouse and going into the field. This will enable more junior members to gain first-hand field experience under the guidance of the Team Leader and team members, and allow them to troubleshoot communication problems and assist team members in the field, as necessary. It is anticipated that they may remain in the field for as long as two weeks, to assist EERI and other researchers and transmit information back to the EERI web site. They will also play important roles within the first several weeks after the teams have returned home, helping to disseminate additional records, images and other information via the EERI web site and in establishing links to other information sources.

IT Specialist Application

Logistics Coordinator Description

The Logistics Coordinator* is meant to serve the needs of the EERI post-earthquake investigation team, but this person will perform a key role in the overall coordination, being available to help other teams gain access to damage sites and participate in the briefings. The logistics Coordinator would be expected to locate an appropriate hotel for lodging and space to accommodate daily briefings, obtain local maps, arrange transportation, and negotiate access with local officials, thereby reducing the burden on the Team Leader. Familiarity with local customs and language is critical to this position. The Logistics Coordinator should be able to demonstrate that s/he has good local contacts in the country and an entrepreneurial spirit, to ensure respect from local officials. The Logistics Coordinator may join the team in the field to participate in the investigation, but his/her primary responsibility will be to ensure that the team is able to carry out an effective investigation and provide for smooth coordination with other teams. Having these logistics functions handled by a dedicated team member will free the Team Leader to work more closely with other research teams and individuals. *For earthquakes occurring in the U.S., an EERI Staff member will likely handle these functions from the Clearinghouse.

Logistics Coordinator Application