NPS Leadership spotlight: Nate Powell, logistics support technician at GCNP

This position at Grand Canyon is relatively new, especially to me. I started in early December and I love it.

We provide logistical support and coordination for design and construction projects throughout the park. We provide efficiency, reduce costs and streamline the work; if there is a logistical need, we assist however we can, keeping the project smoothly moving forward.

As the field person, I escort various groups (contractors, project partners, etc.) during site visits, especially when they require access to non-public areas of the park and below the rim. I also reserve housing space, schedule inner-canyon flights and build, hook and receive sling loads.

It’s a lot of coordinating between folks in the field and the folks on the rim — keeping everyone in the loop. Safety and communication are paramount.

Where are you from, and what’s your background?

I grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated with a parks and recreation degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

In 2008, I met my wife, Aly, during my first season as an interpretive ranger at Upper Delaware S&RR. I followed Aly to Grand Canyon in 2011 and we’ve been here on the South Rim since.

I started as a seasonal visitor use assistant at the South Entrance, got permanent status in 2014, moved to remitting and then Administrative Assistant for Fire & Aviation, backcountry visitor tech at the Backcountry Information Center, to finally, logistics.

What have you enjoyed the most about working and living at GRCA?

I get to hike, fly, and float this fantastic resource — for my job. I love our community and the wildlife, plus it’s fun to say, “I have 1.2 million acres in my backyard.”

What’s your favorite winter activity?

For the last few winters, it’s been watching the Cincy Bengals win. I’m lucky to hike a bunch for work, but backpacking Grand Canyon in the winter is the best.

I also tie a lot of flies for fly fishing in the winter but try to sneak in a few day trips when I can — usually Lees Ferry, Sedona, or stillwater outside Williams.