Program Assistant; NPS, Buffalo National River

Overview

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Buffalo National River, is recruiting one (1) part time Program Assistant to support information technology operations and day‑to‑day IT needs within the park. The selected candidate will assist with computer setup and troubleshooting, user support, software and equipment maintenance, data and workflow management, and other technology‑related tasks that help support park operations.

• Support information technology operations at a unit, including limited phases of computer technology functions for personal computers (PCs).
• Install and test PCs and associated peripheral devices according to manuals and instructions.
• Troubleshoot commonly occurring problems and assist users in resolving them, referring highly technical issues to a computer specialist.
• Prepare minor programs such as batch programs, make simple program revisions, and validate existing programs by updating and revising instructions as needed.
• Support subject matter specialists by entering and retrieving information from a PC, formatting reports using standard software, and recommending use of available systems.
• Order supplies, arrange for equipment repairs, and maintain files associated with equipment, records, and equipment maintenance.
• Verify output data to ensure format, quantity, and print quality are adequate and as required; notify users of changed priorities and status of their work, and when high priority work is completed.
• Trace and document existing and proposed workflow with software systems planned and designed by others.

• June 2026 – June 2027 (52 weeks)
• Part time (20 hours/week)
• Flexible weekly schedule

Office:
The candidate’s office will be at the Buffalo National River headquarters in Harrison, Arkansas. The town is small with a population of about 13,000 people and includes various restaurants, grocery stores (including Walmart), hospitals, and other resources that should cover most needs.

Compensation: $19.50 hourly

• Personal leave
• Access to Pro Deals

Housing will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

• Experience in assembling components, configuring, replacing computers and peripherals.
• Familiarity with physical computer connections and cabling.
• Competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office Programs, including installation.
• Familiar with network topography and components.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior Background Investigation or submit paperwork indicating an active and fully adjudicated background investigation has already been completed prior to beginning the position.
• Must meet PLC age requirements and U.S. citizenship requirements.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

• Enrolled in a Computer related discipline, or working toward a CompTIA A+ certification.
• Comfortable with IP setups, including static/dynamic configurations on both PCs and printers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to non‑technical users and sympathize with their frustrations.

The role is primarily sedentary in an office environment but requires regular sitting, standing, walking, and use of hands. The employee must have adequate vision for close and distance work and the ability to adjust focus when working with computer equipment and related tools.

Occasional work may occur in outdoor conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, and rain.

The position also requires the ability to safely climb ladders up to 6 feet and lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds.

The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and U.S. citizenship requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.