Arborist-in-Training Instructor
Las Vegas Urban Forest Center at UNLV
Plant Trees. Grow Careers. Cool Communities.

Are you passionate about trees, the environment, and creating opportunities for the next generation of green industry professionals? The Las Vegas Urban Forest Center is hiring a full-time Instructor to lead our Arborist-in-Training (AIT) program, a 20-week, hands-on workforce development initiative designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers in urban forestry.

The AIT program is part of an urban forestry and community resiliency effort supported by a multi-year U.S. Forest Service grant. Our mission: plant 3,000 trees in underserved neighborhoods across the Las Vegas Valley while educating the community about the benefits of an expanded tree canopy.

As the AIT Instructor, you’ll be more than a teacher—you’ll be a mentor, guide, and changemaker. You’ll design and lead engaging lessons in desert horticulture, tree care, and sustainable landscaping while supporting weekly community tree plantings and partnerships with local organizations.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and teach a comprehensive, 20-week curriculum focused on desert horticulture, arboriculture, and landscape sustainability.
• Cover topics including plant ID, tree selection, soils, irrigation, pruning, pests, climate resilience, composting, and safety.
• Lead two days of weekly classroom instruction and support two days of hands-on tree planting in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Coordinate with community partners to host field trips, guest speakers, and on-the-job experiences.
• Support the development of bilingual curriculum (Spanish/English) and help make environmental education more accessible to all.
• Lead educational workshops and information sessions to help community members learn about the benefits of trees.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking a dedicated educator with an understanding of desert plants and a heart for community service. Ideal candidates will be just as comfortable teaching pruning techniques as they are working alongside residents to green their neighborhoods.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, natural sciences, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of desert-adapted plants, urban forestry practices, and sustainable landscaping techniques.
• 3-5 years of experience in curriculum development and adult education or workforce training.
• Comfortable working outdoors in extreme temperatures and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Preferred:

• ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English or willingness to collaborate with support staff.
• Passion for serving historically under-resourced communities.
• Background in community forestry or environmental work.

Why This Job Matters:

Trees don’t just make neighborhoods greener—they cool communities, improve public health, reduce energy bills, and foster a sense of pride. Your work will directly impact lives, helping to train future arborists while building a healthier, cooler Las Vegas.

Join us in planting the seeds for a more resilient city—one tree, one trainee, one neighborhood at a time.

Salary: $60,000 per year

Open Until Filled

Questions: alison.sloat@unlv.edu