Outdoor Recreation Research Technician

Outdoor Recreation Research Technician Requisition ID: 2026-10670 # of Openings: 8 Location: US-UT-Logan Category: Research (non-Faculty) Position Type: Non-benefited (hourly) Part-Time Job Classification: Non-Benefited College: Quinney College of Agric and Nat Res Department: Environment and Society Advertised Salary: $20/hour Overview This position will assist with data collection for the USDA Forest Service's National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) Program. Field technicians will conduct on-site surveys with national forest visitors at recreation access points such as trailheads, forest roads, lakes and reservoirs, resorts, and other recreation sites across the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashely National Forest. The data collected through these surveys are used by the USDA Forest Service to estimate annual visitation, track recreation patterns and trends, evaluate visitor experiences and recreation infrastructure, and estimate the economic contributions associated with national forest recreation. This position provides hands-on experience in outdoor recreation research, visitor-use monitoring, field data collection, and national forest management. Work schedules are dictated by a randomly generated survey schedule; however, efforts are made to create consistency. Shifts are 6 hours long and fluctuate between 8am-2pm and 2pm-8pm. Drive time to and from survey locations is paid in addition to the 6-hour survey period. Shifts are expected to be elevated in October and decrease during the winter months, then increase again during the spring and summer. Details regarding work schedules will be further discussed with applicants during the interview process. Responsibilities * Conduct face-to-face surveys with national forest visitors at designated recreation sites. * Interact professionally with a wide variety of forest visitors, sometimes conducting up to 40 interviews per day. * Travel independently to survey locations throughout the assigned national forest. * Navigate to remote and unfamiliar recreation sites. * Work independently for extended periods, including in remote locations and varying weather conditions. * Occasionally camp in remote areas for multiple days while completing survey assignments. * Follow established survey protocols and accurately collect and record visitor-use data. * Maintain a high level of organization, safety awareness, and professionalism while working in the field. Qualifications * Motivated, dependable, organized, and self-sufficient. * Comfortable approaching and interacting with unfamiliar people. * Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. * Ablility to work independently and solve problems in the field. * Safety-conscious and capable of exercising good judgment in remote settings. * Comfortable spending extended periods alone in remote outdoor environments. * Comfortable camping alone when required. * Ablility to navigate remote and unfamiliar areas. Required Documents Along with the online application, please attach: * Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV" * Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your... For full info follow application link. USU recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the university's academic mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. USU is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any of its programs and activities based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law (https://equity.usu.edu/non-discrimina ion).