USDA Forest Service

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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wilderness ranger crew intern

May - August 2023 • North Bend, WA

What I liked

Got to be with nature, physical exercise. Nice community, close to home.

What I wish was different

Better communication

Advice

Try and keep morale up, this work can get really difficult, and after a while you lose the fun, so find things to keep it fun.

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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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Forestry Aide

May - August 2019 • Pinecrest, CA

What I liked

I was working on a fire engine doing wildland fire suppression! I got to work and live in the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest while challenging myself everyday. It was a vigorous job that required a strong mind and body. I loved it all.

What I wish was different

I wish my summer could have been longer!

Advice

Don't be scared to go out and try something that might sound scary. You have to try things out to see what you like.

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Forestry Aide

June - August 2020 • Jackson, WY

What I liked

Working Outside

What I wish was different

Finished the work assignment I was on at the emd

Advice

You have to like being outside

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Information Research Intern

September 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Very informational experience with amazing people. Learned a lot of new information on the Forest Service and programs within.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

Work with what most interests you. I got an internship on a very interesting project that has been fun and made me love working on it.

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Timber Crew Member

May - August 2018 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

I liked working in the mountains and learning how to run chainsaws and the comradery of the other members!

What I wish was different

I wish that we could have came up with better game plans!

Advice

It's a great opportunity and you can make some seriously good money working here! If your trying to save up for college this is a great option!

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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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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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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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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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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Seeley Lake, MT

What I liked

I very much enjoyed my experience with the forest service

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Earn it to enjoy it

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Range Management

May 2018 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

I love being in the mountains and working

What I wish was different

Wish I would have learned more clerical things

Advice

Ask lots of questions

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Monte Vista, CO

What I liked

The people you work with, and the opportunities to go fight fire around the country.

What I wish was different

Longer season.

Advice

Don't be afraid to apply to an area you have never been before.

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Superior, MT

What I liked

Location. Job is fun.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

It was dope.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2019 • Blairsden Graeagle, CA

What I liked

I liked the opportunity to work outdoors and see a lot of new country. A great aspect of the job was the physical requirements. Hiking, lifting, and running helped me get both physically and mentally stronger. The men and women I worked with all had a common goal to help protect and preserve our wild lands and a shared love for adventure and the outdoors.

What I wish was different

I truly wish I started working for the forest service sooner. Before I applied for this job and took the necessary training courses I worked construction. Construction isn’t nearly as fulfilling as wild land firefighting.

Advice

If you enjoy nature and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, this is a great job to look into. The people you meet and work with along the way are incredible and is a great opportunity to see some beautiful country.

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Forestry Technician

June - August 2019 • Minturn, CO

What I liked

Hands on experience in my field, great pay, and inexpensive housing

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time!

Advice

The best way to get a federal job is to apply to every single one you're interested in, you never know what might happen.

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Forest technician (recreation)

May - August 2019 • St. George, UT

What I liked

I loved my co-workers and mentors. Everyone gave me opportunities to learn new things and build my resume.

What I wish was different

I wish it was longer!

Advice

Show you are interested and that you want to learn all about it.

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Civil Engineering Intern

May 2018 • Mccall, ID

What I liked

Working in McCall all summer with other engineers. Most days were spent in the field rather than office.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

If you ever get an opportunity to work for the Forest Service, do it.

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Forest service crew leader

May - August 2019 • Grand Junction, CO

What I liked

I like how we were able to have an experience out in the wild and be able to go camping with people that you haven't met before and build with them over the summer.