USDA Forest Service

stream technician

June - August 2020 • Logan, UT

What I liked

I enjoyed traveling and camping the entire time in the field. I got to go all over Sawtooth National Forest, places in Oregon, north of Bear Lake, and even the Tetons and Jackson area of Wyoming. I also liked being in the streams.

What I wish was different

We were gone 8 days at a time. I agreed to this, as it was part of the work, but I did miss my husband often. Especially since I could not call daily. Other than that, COVID-19 made things limited, which was a little disappointing, but in all honesty, we were lucky to have job still.

Advice

There will be hot and dry days, cold nights, and sometimes you can be hiking and/or sleeping in a storm. But the experience makes you tougher. Keep a positive attitude and remember that it's all part of a great experience.

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Biological Technician

May - September 2019 • Tiller, OR

What I liked

Working outdoors and in the field that I am passionate about. This is the field that I got my degree in (Botany).

What I wish was different

Advice

Keeping an open mind and continue to ask questions. Learning never stops, especially in the professional arena!

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Hydrologic Technician

April 2019 • Cedar City, UT

What I liked

The forest service is a great place to work. My supervisors have been really helpful and have taught me a lot about how things operate on the Forest. I also have enjoyed being able to spend 40 hours every week up in the mountains exploring new places and helping map springs.

What I wish was different

One thing I wish was different is the time I have had to spend imputing data into the computer. It’s not hard, it’s just slow and not very exciting.

Advice

I would say apply for jobs you want even if you feel you are not the most qualified. I didn’t fill qualified for this position, but applied anyway and expressed a willingness to learn.

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Forestry aid

May - August 2019 • Alturas, CA

What I liked

I loved the ability to get outdoors and hike all the time. Also protecting the land was something I have always loved and so to get paid to do that it was special

What I wish was different

The only thing I wish was different was I got to stay longer.

Advice

Is to follow your training and know your 10s and 18s they are there for a reason and they will keep you alive.

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Botanist

June - August 2019 • San Bernardino, CA

What I liked

I really enjoyed getting to apply my skills in the field.

What I wish was different

I would have liked to spend more time doing botanical surveys.

Advice

I recommend applying for internships as soon as possible.

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Wildland Firefighter

June - August 2020 • Libby, MT

What I liked

It was fun having a different job most days of the week. Lots of variety.

What I wish was different

I wish the season had been longer, was having so much fun.

Advice

You had better be ready to work hard.

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Botany intern

June - August 2020 • Wellston, MI

What I liked

The people were very nice and like able, I learned so much and am very excited to take my experiences into my field in the future.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been a longer internship and that I got paid more.

Advice

Get as much from the internship as possible, accept all learning opportunities and make as many connections as possible!

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Biologican Technician

June - October 2020 • Moab, UT

What I liked

I was able to get my foot in the door of federal employment!

What I wish was different

Advice

Take it seriously. You may receive low wages, or none at all, but a good work ethic can lead to future opportunities.

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Biological science technician (invasive species)

May - August 2020 • Prospect, OR

What I liked

Everyday was a new experience! Got to spend lots of time in nature in a beautiful area helping to keep the forests healthy. Very knowledgeable crewmates with various backgrounds and skills to teach. Options for on the job training such as wildland firefighting!

What I wish was different

A little closer to home! And that COVID-19 didn't restrict our work of course!

Advice

Learn as much as you can in this environment, it is a breeding ground for new ideas, connections, and skills.

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Forestry Technician - Trails

May - August 2020 • Walla Walla, WA

What I liked

Getting to work outside, learning lots of new skills such as motorcycling, chainsaw use, tree felling, and trail design!

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to work longer!

Advice

Be prepared to work really hard!

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Fish biology

June - September 2020 • Mackay, ID

What I liked

Learning, experience, people

What I wish was different

More time to work- covid cut it short

Advice

Release your inhibitions and just go for it

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Biological Technician

March - August 2020 • Cloudcroft, NM

What I liked

Being able to work outdoors in the woods. Doing the type of work I majored in in undergrad, which is what I love to do.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2020 • Moab, UT

What I liked

Loved being in the high elevations during the heat of the summer. A lot of beautiful country and recreation opportunities as well as great work projects.

What I wish was different

Upper level management was a little hard to work with.

Advice

Be ready to work hard and play hard.

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Seasonal Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Elko, NV

What I liked

The whole job from responding to fires to just working out getting ready for fires

What I wish was different

Advice

Be in good shape and be ready to work extremely long and hard hours

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timber crew member

June - September 2020 • Ephraim, UT

What I liked

My crew members Being in the mountains

What I wish was different

I wish it had started earlier in the summer.

Advice

Do it with a friend it is hard work.

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Biological Technician

May - August 2020 • Warren, PA

What I liked

Being able to learning new techniques on how to do a vegetative survey. Being in a different ecosystem and learning more about our natural resources. Also, the people that make the Forest Service a great place to work for.