Job Details

Conservation Research Assistant

Position Number: 6984411
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Conservation Research Assistant

Job Summary

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, a regional center for plant-based science education, conservation and research, and cultural enrichment. As part of a state arboretum that encompasses the University of Utah campus, the Garden cultivates an essential urban forestland of over 2,000 trees in 456 different taxa. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 20 acres of developed gardens, and approximately five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive 80-acre natural area.

Community-funded, the Garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and spectacular mountain setting, with nearly 600,000 springtime blooming bulbs, award-winning horticulture-based educational programs, and an iconic outdoor summer concert series. Guests come to the Garden for a myriad of reasons: to connect with nature, to participate in cultural programs, concerts, and wellness activities, and to attend lectures, classes and workshops. Innovative children's education programs promote environmental sustainability, and educate the next generation of botanists and naturalists, while engaging classes inspire adults to remain lifelong learners.

The department of Conservation and Research at Red Butte Garden is seeking a seasonal research assistant for the summer 2026 field season. This position involves assisting the Conservation and Research staff with a variety of lab and field work activities.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities
Field work: spending multiple sequential days in the field, often in remote locations, assisting with seed collections, plant and ecological data and sample collection, and scouting for plants. May involve backpacking, camping, and/or staying in rustic lodging. The assistant should have their own camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, daypack, etc.), appropriate clothing (sturdy boots, hat, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, extra layers for cool or rainy weather, etc.), and supplies (food, water, sunscreen, etc.). We will provide a per diem to cover food costs while in the field.

Lab/garden work: activities include designing and carrying out experiments with plants and seeds, tissue culture propagation of select plants, insect surveys, seed cleaning and counting, microscopy, plant care in the greenhouse, and other tasks that arise. In addition, the assistant may be asked to assist with coordination and guidance to volunteers or students, entering and analyzing data, performing literature reviews, and helping to maintain and manage the lab environment.

Supervision: The assistant will be a member of the Conservation and Research team and report to the Director of Conservation and Research. They will also work under the supervision of the Conservation Program Manager for activities associated with the conservation program.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.
Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Department minimum qualifications: A valid Utah vehicle operator's license, physical ability to safely and effectively carry out the physical tasks of the position, including hiking over rough terrain, carrying and lifting loads, backcountry camping and working outdoors in extreme climatic conditions including full sun, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.

Preferences

Familiarity with Utah flora and biogeography,
Completed course work in biology, botany, ecology, or a related field
Experience with field and lab research methods and procedures
Enthusiasm for working outdoors
Able to work effectively individually and in teams
A passion for plants and plant conservation
Curiosity and a desire to learn
Attention to detail
Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, ArcGIS, Survey123, and FieldMaps
Wilderness First Aid certification

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN16824N
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Work Schedule Summary: This position may require consecutive days in the field, including overnight travel. When not assigned to fieldwork, the schedule will follow standard weekday business hours. This is a full-time, six-month position with employment dates from 5/11/26, through 10/31/26.
Department: 00340 - Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $16.00
Close Date: 5/5/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/197453