Field Data Collector - Visitor Experience Study, Arches NP

Field Data Collector - Visitor Experience Study, Arches NP

Requisition ID: 2026-10027
# of Openings: 2
Location: US-UT
Category: Research (non-Faculty)
Position Type: Temporary Part-Time
Job Classification: Non-Benefited
College: Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res
Department: Environment & Society
Advertised Salary: $22/hr

Overview
The Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (SORTL) Lab at Utah State University is seeking two Field Research Assistants to support a visitor experience study at Arches National Park in partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). This is a paid, short-term field position involving on-site data collection near Moab, Utah for a concentrated two-week data collection deployment during September or October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Administer visitor intercept surveys using Qualtrics on a tablet device at designated sites within Arches National Park (The Windows, Delicate Arch, and Devils Garden)
• Apply randomized intercept protocols to select survey participants
• Accurately record survey responses and maintain daily data quality standards
• Follow field protocols, including participant consent procedures and IRB-approved data collection guidelines
• Communicate regularly with the PI regarding daily sampling progress, response rates, and any field issues
• Assist with post-field data entry, review, and basic quality checking

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license to perform essential job duties, such as driving vehicles within Arches National Park and transporting materials
• Ability to work independently in a remote outdoor environment with minimal day-to-day supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to approach and engage members of the public professionally
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and committed to data quality
• Willingness to work in high-temperature desert conditions for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or coursework in outdoor recreation, natural resources, parks management, tourism, geography, or a related field
• Prior experience with survey research, field data collection, or visitor studies
• Familiarity with Qualtrics or similar survey platforms
• Experience working or recreating in national parks or public lands settings

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Please be prepared to answer the following during your applciation:
  • Are you available for a two-week field deployment to Moab, Utah, during September or October 2026?
    
  • Do you have a valid driver's license, and are you comfortable driving to and around Moab, Utah?
    
  • Are you willing to work outdoors for 6-7-hour shifts in hot, exposed desert conditions with limited shade?
    
  • Briefly describe any experience you have conducting fieldwork, collecting data, or interacting professionally with members of the public.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary
$22/hr


ADA
This position requires sustained outdoor work in a desert environment. Field data collection takes place at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet in exposed terrain with limited shade. Work is performed primarily outdoors in direct sunlight during fall shoulder season conditions; temperatures may range from 50F to over 100F, depending on time of day and season. Employees must be able to work effectively in these conditions for shifts of up to 6-7 hours.

Physical demands include the ability to stand and walk for extended periods on uneven, rocky, or sandy terrain; hike moderate distances (up to 3 miles round trip) to and from designated survey sites while carrying a tablet device and field supplies; and remain alert and professionally engaged with members of the public throughout the shift. Employees must be able to carry a pack of up to 20 pounds including water, supplies, and equipment.

Mental demands include the ability to follow structured data collection protocols with a high degree of accuracy, exercise sound judgment in participant selection, maintain focus and professionalism during repetitive tasks, and work independently without close supervision for extended periods. The position requires strong verbal communication skills in English to approach and survey park visitors from diverse backgrounds. Employees must be comfortable managing occasional refusals or difficult interactions with the public in a calm and professional manner.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Interested applicants with questions about accommodations are encouraged to contact the hiring department prior to applying.

College/Department Highlights
The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.


With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university's land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah's remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.

University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.


The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.


*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, View email address on click.appcast.io, Distance Education Rm. 401, View phone number on click.appcast.io
Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, View email address on click.appcast.io, Distance Education Rm. 404, View phone number on click.appcast.io
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io
U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io

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