USDA Forest Service

Wildlife Technician

May - August 2019 • Prather, CA

What I liked

Gaining important knowledge in field techniques, terrestrial wildlife surveys, and communicating results to higher level biologists. I was able to finesse certain skills and learn lots of new skills that will help me as an aspiring wildlife biologist.

What I wish was different

I wish that the season was longer!!

Advice

Don’t be afraid to apply for a job that you may not feel “as qualified” for, the worst that will happen is a “thanks, but we went with someone else”. Try something new, there are so many cool opportunities with the private and public work sectors.

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Seeley Lake, MT

What I liked

Understanding and being trained in the various skills and topics that are covered in wildland firefighting.

What I wish was different

More time to experience the various aspects of firefighting across the different seasons.

Advice

Be open to learning and receiving feedback by asking a lot of questions and practice.

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Forester

May - August 2019 • Cascade, ID

What I liked

Always love the opportunity to work outside, and working on a timber crew gets you in the forest every day of the week. The 4-day a week schedule is also great for weekend travel.

What I wish was different

There’s a bit of turnover going on at Boise National Forest this year and it made the projects seem less planned out than they could be.

Advice

Get on USAjobs starting in early October to get the prime choice of seasonal positions.

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Public Affairs Intern

May - August 2019 • Delta, CO

What I liked

Always willing to help, very opening to asking questions, allowed me to explore other resources outside of my designated internship.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions, especially when it comes to speaking with the public and you want to be 100% sure on what you are about to say.

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Wildlife Technician Intern

May - August 2019 • Fredonia, AZ

What I liked

I loved hiking every day.

What I wish was different

I wish the top supervisor would have been a little less lax.

Advice

Internships are fantastic!!

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Recreation Technician

June - September 2019 • Chiloquin, OR

What I liked

I worked at Miller Lake in Chemult and enjoyed the campground, and hiking. I also provided public assistance at third Thursdays and assisted with other activities at Klamath and lake county fairs which was fun.

What I wish was different

My only wish would to have more opportunities to spend time with other specialists.

Advice

I thoroughly enjoyed all the time I got to spend outdoors.

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Recreation Technician

May - August 2019 • Neihart, MT

What I liked

I loved the people I worked with. In the Forest Service, everyone is family!

What I wish was different

I wish I had found the job closer to home.

Advice

Don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. A good way to get your foot in the door with the federal government is to travel around. And never settle. Go with your gut and get that job!

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Wildland Firefighter

June 2018 • Libby, MT

What I liked

I loved being out in the forest and working with a great group of people to fight fires and keep everyone safe.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time, it always feels like the season goes by so fast.

Advice

Anyone can sign up to become a firefighter. There was an equal amount of men and women on our crew that all worked to earn their spots.

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Wilderness Ranger Intern

May - August 2018 • Bend, OR

What I liked

I was able to make my own choices throughout the season. I felt like a part of the team and not just an intern. I made really good connections as well.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been giving living arrangements and that I had had the ability to earn a Red Card.

Advice

Don't let your schedule define the internship. Make an effort to work extra days or change days to go out on hitches with the Rangers. Don't just be a trailhead steward.

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Wildlife Technician

May - August 2018 • Belt, MT

What I liked

The experience of a completely new forest structure and ecology. My supervisors were extremely educational and made sure my knowledge was enhanced. The hands on learning that correlated with my academic background was second to none and essential for my educational growth.

What I wish was different

More diversity in wildlife work experience.

Advice

Review the use of a dichotomous key and plant identification.

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forest service trail crew intern

May - August 2018 • Evanston, WY

What I liked

I loved the experience that I got from this job. I got to learn more about what people do to run our forests and gained more curiosity about natural resources.

What I wish was different

nothing.

Advice

Start looking earlier than later for summer internships like this.

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Forest Technician

May - August 2018 • Duchesne, UT

What I liked

I enjoyed being able to work outside everyday. Working with the government has a lot of great benefits.

What I wish was different

For a seasonal job it was exactly what I was looking for.

Advice

The job can be very difficult at times but it is still the best summer job I have ever had.

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Forestry Technician

May - September 2018 • Hebo, OR

What I liked

Freedom to make your own decisions and manage your time.

What I wish was different

Did not enjoy being stung by hornets on a daily basis. The forest is filled with them.

Advice

You will need prior forestry or natural resources experience to rate as a GS 5.

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Biological Technician

May 2018 • Ketchum, ID

What I liked

I got to be outdoors working to restore areas affected by fire

What I wish was different

more opportunity to plant and reseed fire areas

Advice

Do research into these jobs call and ask people at locations your are looking to apply for they will help find a fit for you and guide you so you take the proper course while in college.

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Visitor Services

May - August 2018 • Pollock Pines, CA

What I liked

Loved the location and the people I met. Really enjoyed the experience, and learning about the structure of the forest service.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more hands on time with my supervisor.

Advice

Don't be afraid if you're out of your comfort zone, that's where you learn the most!

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Forestry Aide

May - September 2018 • Lakeview, OR

What I liked

It was an excellent job. In fire suppression you work to protect life, property, and the wild lands of this country. Even when you are not fighting fires you are working out side and helping other forest service departments.

What I wish was different

The primary thing Iwanted to be different was some of the machismo culture.

Advice

Be ready to work hard physically and mentally.

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Civil Engineering Intern

May - August 2018 • Cedar City, UT

What I liked

It was a great environment to work in, gained so much valuable experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2018 • Neihart, MT

What I liked

Getting out into the workforce in a new location, understanding the agency better, and spending all day every day in a remote forest running chainsaws.

What I wish was different

I would have like to have been paid better. Some crew members were hard to deal with. And I wish the experience allowed for opportunities more relevant toward my degree/career path.

Advice

Get on USAjobs early and dress up your resume real Nice, be flexible and willing to work with many different people. Understand the positions you are applying for.

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