The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Capitol Reef National Park, is recruiting one Biotechnician to participate in GBIs Research Associate program. The technician will support the Capitol Reef National Park Division of Resource Management & Science and serve as a team member of the Natural Resources field crew. This position will provide support for all disciplines of the Natural Resources Program’s work but will be largely focused on botanical resources.

Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities for the position will include field data collection in support of long-term monitoring of two federally listed endangered cactus species; conducting vegetation and aquatic resource condition assessments in support of cattle grazing and trailing permitting; conducting acoustic monitoring in canyons for federally listed threatened Mexican spotted owls; invasive plant management; wildland collection of native plant seed; and revegetation of disturbed lands. In addition to this field work, data management and processing will be a core responsibility of the position. Additional duties may include support of park infrastructure and other Resource Management and Science Division programs. Opportunities for assisting with air quality monitoring, paleontological monitoring, external wildlife resource projects (bats, migratory birds, bighorn sheep), search and rescue operations, visitor services, and orchard management will likely be available for those who are interested.  Training in field protocols and methodologies will be provided. Obtaining a Utah Pesticide Applicator license is a required duty for this position, and herbicide use is expected. Office work consists of processing avian acoustic recordings, entering data into Access databases and Excel spreadsheets, labeling photos, summarizing datasets, reporting work efforts, and GIS support.

Timeline:

• March 30 - November 21, 2026, 34 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday -Thursday, 10 hours daily.

Location:

Capitol Reef National Park is located near Torrey, UT. The location is remote. The nearest gas station is 10 miles away and the nearest grocery store is approximately 35 miles away. A personal vehicle is required for travel/transport outside of work. There is currently no cell service in housing or the duty station. Wi-Fi Internet is provided in park housing and allows for Wi-Fi calling on capable personal cell phones. Reliable cellular service is usually only found when nearing Torrey. Applicants should be comfortable living in a remote location with limited services. Located in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef NP is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and expansive desert vistas. In addition to unique geological resources, the park also has a rich cultural history.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $18 hourly;

Benefits: 

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals

Housing: The Park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The interns will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. The dormitory includes all appliances, washer and dryer, some kitchen pots, pans and dishes, and internet service. Heat/AC, shared Wi-Fi Internet, electricity, and water are included. A landline phone is available in each dorm and long-distance calls can be made with a calling card. Housing is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the duty station.

Per diem: Backcountry per diem provided per night in the field at a rate of $42/night.

Travel: $200 Allowance.

Training: $1000 Allowance

Equipment & Gear: $500 Allowance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, plant taxonomy, wildlife ecology, range management or other related field, or combination of related coursework in and direct experience and knowledge of plant taxonomy and ecology, including use of technical botanical keys (dichotomous plant key without pictures);
• Familiarity with plants of the Colorado Plateau, particularly knowledge of native grasses and shrubs, is highly desirable;
• Experience conducting floristic field surveys or vegetation monitoring (e.g., transect and quadrat systematic sampling);
• Experience with invasive plant control;
• Experience with native seed collection or revegetation of disturbed lands;
• Experience with acoustic recording devices or game cameras for wildlife surveys;
• Experience identifying birds by call and conducting avian surveys;
• Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection;
• Experience with backcountry travel and field work, particularly in a desert environment;
• Experience using GIS software (QGIS, Qfield, Field Maps, ArcGIS Pro);
• Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/grant reports;
• Experience with database management software (Access);
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record; and
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

​​​​​​​Biological field work requires attention to detail, long hours in remote areas, maintaining a positive attitude and team dynamics under difficult conditions, and hiking off trail up to 10 miles per day. Personal accountability and readiness are paramount to success. Occasional overnight camping is a requirement of the position. Weather conditions can vary from cold winds and rain/snow in the early spring to temperatures above 100° F in the summer. Other challenging field conditions include sun exposure, navigating through arduous canyon terrain, and cedar gnats or other biting insects. Office work consists of processing avian acoustic recordings, entering data into Access databases and Excel spreadsheets, labeling photos, summarizing datasets, reporting work efforts, and GIS support.  Technicians must be able to work well with other team members, communicate effectively, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Work includes operating vehicles to transport team members and equipment safely on high clearance 4x4 dirt roads in NPS vehicles. Technicians will work to ensure that all GBI and NPS policies are adhered to.