Field Data Collector — Visitor Experience Study, Arches NP

Utah State University; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Utah State University’s SORTL Lab is hiring two Field Research Assistants to support a visitor experience study at Arches National Park near Moab. The positions involve on-site data collection during deployment periods, administering surveys to visitors, and ensuring data quality under IRB guidelines.

Required is a valid driver’s license; preferred candidates have experience with survey research, field data collection, and familiarity with Qualtrics.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required to perform field duties and transport materials.
• Experience with survey research or field data collection is preferred.
• Familiarity with Qualtrics or similar survey platforms is desirable.
• Experience in national parks or public lands settings is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to engage the public professionally.
• Strong focus on data quality and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Administer visitor intercept surveys using Qualtrics on a tablet at Arches National Park sites.
• Apply randomized intercept protocols to select survey participants.
• Record responses accurately and maintain daily data quality.
• Follow field protocols and IRB-approved data collection guidelines.
• Communicate daily sampling progress and any field issues to the PI.
• Assist with post-field data entry and basic quality checks.

Skills

Driver's license

Survey research

Field data collection

Interpersonal skills

Independence

Tools

Qualtrics

Job description

Overview

The SORTL Lab (Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 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, 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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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

Advertised Salary

$26.00/hour

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 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; 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 and HR ADA Coordinator.

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 atlocations 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 in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

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 willchampion 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 namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto 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 [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026