Arborist, Great Basin Institute

Position Overview

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

Salary: $22 to $29 per hour

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in History, Environmental Sciences, Horticulture, or related field

Description

The Great Basin Institute is hiring an Arborist for Yosemite National Park, based in El Portal, California, at $22 to $29 per hour, with applications due May 29, 2026.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), founded at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has supported thousands of individuals pursuing careers in public land management for more than two decades. In partnership with Yosemite National Park, GBI is hiring one Arborist to support cultural landscape preservation.

The Arborist works with the History, Architecture and Landscapes Branch at Yosemite National Park, focused on the park’s historic orchards. The position pairs hands-on tree care with cultural resource management, supporting orchard rehabilitation, condition assessments, and public outreach across Yosemite’s 1,200-square-mile landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out work plans to improve conditions and public safety in historic orchards in line with park planning documents, supervisor input, and NPS mentor guidance.
• Conduct condition assessments of trees to evaluate health, vigor, structural stability, and risk.
• Create, use, and maintain GIS and other relevant databases.
• Plant and transplant trees using proper techniques, drawing on current research and technology.
• Prune historic fruit trees to industry standards using handsaw, pole saw, and other hand tools.
• Install and maintain fencing, irrigation, and other orchard infrastructure under preservation planning.
• Advise the supervisor on project needs related to orchard management and help develop funding proposals.
• Consolidate information on Yosemite’s orchards for use by managers and the public.
• Lead volunteer groups and park teams to support orchard health and public appreciation.
• Collaborate across teams to plan projects, deliver outreach, and protect resources.
• Participate in supplemental training such as chainsaw training as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Environmental Sciences, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated understanding and skill in tree care.
• Ability to climb ladders, operate hand tools, and lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Database management experience.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Good leadership and collaborative skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Arborist Certification.
• Experience with Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management.

Additional Notes

• Position runs for 65 weeks, full time.
• Start date: early to mid July 2026, dependent on DOI clearance.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered 100% by GBI, available the first of the month following start.
• $25,000 basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays.
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match.
• Access to Pro Deals.
• All offers contingent on successful pre-employment background check.

How to Apply

Submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter, and contact information for three professional references through the GBI application portal. For questions, contact akelly@gbinstitute.org. Applications close after May 29, 2026.