Capitol Reef Field Station Site Manager

Capitol Reef Field Station Site Manager

Salary: $58,725.00 - $69,088.00 Annually
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2605518
Closing: 3/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Location:

Capitol Reef Field Station
Division: VP Academic Affairs

The Site Manager oversees Capitol Reef Field Station (CRFS), an off-the-grid facility located within Capitol Reef National Park, while promoting and supporting engaged learning, environmental ethics, and research and creative work through the exploration of the Colorado Plateau. The unique and remote nature of the field station results in extremely wide-ranging job responsibilities for the site manager. The site manager is required to manage field station facilities, manage and facilitate visitors staying at the field station for multiple days (including university students, faculty, and staff, high school students, and federal employees), and conduct educational programming, public outreach, and research and/or creative work.

The site manager conducts regular educational programming with field station groups, on topics related to geology, ecology, archeology, astronomy, and Leave‑No‑Trace principles within the context of Capitol Reef National Park and the Colorado Plateau. The site manager is at the intersection of the National Park Service and Utah Valley University (UVU) and frequently works with several divisions and departments within both institutions.

Additionally, the site manager is required to stay at the field station overnight while visitors are at the station, which entails living at least part‑time at the field station and being on‑call 24 hours a day while the station is occupied. The ideal candidate has a solid maintenance background, enjoys creating and maintaining relationships, excels in public speaking, and is comfortable with long stretches of solitude in a remote location.

For more information, please contact CRFS.

• Manage and monitor an off-the-grid field station with 5 buildings, including 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a commercial‑style kitchen, multi‑purpose room, classroom, office, off‑grid facilities equipment, and scientific instrumentation.
• On‑call 24 hours a day to address field station needs while the field station is occupied.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot an on‑site water treatment plant, which is a state‑inspected public water source, and water distribution system.
• Complete and maintain a water treatment operator (level I) state certification.
• Monitor and troubleshoot an off‑grid electrical system, including solar panels, a battery storage system, and a propane generator.
• Monitor and troubleshoot an off‑grid propane heating system.
• Conduct regular field station repairs and upgrades and work with UVU Facilities to coordinate more extensive projects.
• Monitor and troubleshoot information technology infrastructure and coordinate major repairs with UVU Networking and Information Technology.
• Coordinate road grading and repairs with Capitol Reef National Park.
• Maintain rain‑collection barrels, orchard trees, garden space, compost, and vermiculture.
• Maintain grounds, removing invasive species and trimming other vegetation.
• Keep the field station organized, regularly cleaning and deep cleaning when necessary.
• Monitor and maintain the field station vehicle and water‑hauling trailer.

• Coordinate with groups and address questions prior to arrival at the field station, such as assisting with a group’s itinerary.
• Conduct a field station and national park orientation, a walking facilities tour, and a conservation discussion with every group.
• On‑call 24 hours a day to facilitate group activities and address group needs throughout their stay, such as adjusting itineraries and planning field work, advising on safety considerations associated with hiking, weather, and dirt road conditions, managing group travel when roads are closed or 4WD access only, facilitating group cleaning requirements, coordinating interactions with national park staff, stocking bathrooms and the kitchen, and managing garbage, recycling, and compost.
• Interact extensively with students, faculty, staff, federal…