Field Data Collector — Visitor Experience Study, Arches NP

Utah State University’s SORTL Lab (Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Lab) 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, during concentrated deployment periods.

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

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials

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

Skills

• Ability to work independently 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
• Strong verbal communication skills in English to approach and survey park visitors from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage occasional refusals or difficult interactions with the public in a calm and professional manner

Working Conditions

This position requires sustained outdoor work in a desert environment 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 50°F to over 100°F, 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
• Carry a pack of up to 20 pounds including water, supplies, and equipment
• Remain alert and professionally engaged with members of the public throughout the shift
• Mental demands include the ability to follow structured data collection protocols with a high degree of accuracy, exercise sound judgment in participant selection, and maintain focus during repetitive tasks

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Pay

$26.00/hour