Jan Balsom's work at Grand Canyon National Park began as a volunteer on the North Rim in 1981. She became a seasonal employee in 1982, and served as park archaeologist from May 1984 until May 1995. For the next 11 years, she served as the Chief of Cultural Resources for the park, overseeing the museum collection, historic preservation program, archaeological program, and American Indian consultation program.

In June 2007, Jan became the Deputy Chief of Science and Resource Management and in December 2016, she joined the Superintendent's Office as the Senior Adviser for Stewardship and Tribal Programs. As a park manager, Jan provides technical and management recommendations for a variety of park programs and initiatives, including community outreach, external threats and opportunities, and tribal relations.

Jan received her Bachelor's in anthropology from SUNY at Buffalo and her Master's in anthropology from Arizona State University. In addition to her work with the National Park Service, she serves as a committee member on the Arizona State Historic Sites Review Committee.