Great Basin Institute | Living History Interpretation Program Designer (Yosemite National Park)

LIVING HISTORY INTERPRETATION PROGRAM DESIGNER YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Location: Yosemite
State: California
Program: Cultural Resources

Job Description:
The Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals pursuing a career in public land management or advancing their academic standing. In partnership with Yosemite National Park (YOSE), GBI seeks to hire one Living History Interpretation Program Designer.

The NPS is responsible for protecting and managing over 420 individual “units”, including 63 National Parks, 74 National Historic Sites, and other designated areas such as battlefields, monuments, nature preserves, and more.

In cooperation with the National Park Service Yosemite National Park, the Great Basin Institute (GBI) is recruiting a Living History Interpretation Program Designer to work cooperatively with National Park Service staff to revitalize the living history program at the Yosemite History Center. The History Center has been underutilized for years, but the potential is palpable. The goal of this position is to develop opportunities for meaningful engagement by incorporating diverse perspectives into a living history program that was once solely focused on Pioneer storytelling. The successful applicant will work with the Interpretive Field Operations Branch at Yosemite National Park and focus on the following projects:

Work with a team of interpretation and museum professionals to develop character background packets based on historical figures tied into the various buildings of the Yosemite History Center. Character backgrounds will be developed through research online, in the archives, and research library. These characters should demonstrate diverse perspectives in the early history of the park by utilizing interpretive techniques and ACE activities.
Identify an overarching theme with approval from interpretation staff and weave this theme throughout the character packets.
With interpretation and museum staff, identify period-appropriate costumes for each character packet.
Once characters and packets are approved, develop ACE activities that tie the resource and character together with the overarching theme of the project.

Contract Timeline:

Seven-month appointment beginning March 2024 or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation
40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Location:

Yosemite National Park – Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more… (https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm).

Compensation and Benefits:

$18 an hour. $100 per week housing stipend.
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting after your first month of service.

Job Qualifications:

Required:

Preference given to Master’s degree or credits/coursework towards a Master’s degree in public history or related subject and/or commensurate experience;
Experience conducting research both online and in archives;
Experience developing interactive museum exhibits;
Experience creating interpretive materials (e.g.: pamphlets, posters) or displays;
Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities;
Committed to DEIA initiatives and storytelling;
Motivated, detail-oriented, self-starter that has the flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities and possesses strong organizational skills;
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license;