Going up on the mountain every day, working 4 days a week, getting to see new places.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had a chance to work with more departments.
Advice
Just enjoy it because you might not get to do something like that again.
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Recreation Technician
June - August 2019 • Loa, UT
What I liked
As an avid user of recreation facilities on public lands, I enjoyed being able to contribute to a project that would both conserve the natural resources while promoting connection and education for visitors.
What I wish was different
Stronger focus on mentoring and skill acquisition.
Advice
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Forestry Technician - TImber
May - August 2019 • Avery, ID
What I liked
Locale was fantastic; very large mixed conifer forest. The work was quite interesting and varied, and I was given the opportunity to do many different things throughout the experience.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been able to use a bit more of my GIS experience throughout the summer.
Advice
Invest in sturdy clothing if you intend to do field work.
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Forestry Aide
May - August 2019 • Troy, MT
What I liked
My supervisors and bosses were all very helpful and kind and I got to be outside all summer.
What I wish was different
I wish I didn't have to commute 30 min to work every day.
Advice
This experience was amazing and I learned so much in just a short amount of time. The US Forest Service is a great company to work for and I would recommend it to others.
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Wildland Firefighter
May - August 2019 • Escalante, UT
What I liked
Time out doors and lots of hard work
What I wish was different
Nothing, was a great experience
Advice
Come ready to work hard, dont expect to get in shape on the job
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Engineering technician
February - August 2019 • Cedar City, UT
What I liked
Working outside, meeting new people, learning to use new computer programs, travel around the Dixie National forest
What I wish was different
That I didnt do school full time in conjunction with working full time
Advice
Be available to hard, labor intensive work. It doesnt always happen but when on the Forest you cant plan for everything.
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GeoCorps Environmental/Civil Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Cadillac, MI
What I liked
This was a very unique opportunity to combine my love for nature with my passion for civil engineering. I was faced with design challenges that I would never have considered in Chicagoland or in a city. I collaborated with all types of engineers and different kinds of scientists.
What I wish was different
Nothing! I had two amazing summers with the Forest Service.
Advice
Never say no to anything! By always saying yes and being curious, I was invited on archeological digs, on wildlife surveys, vegetation surveys, etc.
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Student Survey Intern
June - September 2018 • Vancouver, WA
What I liked
Being outdoors and the ability to see practical application of what we learn in class.
What I wish was different
Having a boss there full time to teach us and answer questions.
Advice
Apply for internships even if you dont think you have enough experience, they are an excellent way to gain experience and learn about your field.
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Trails Crew/IA fire crew member
May - August 2018 • Durango, CO
What I liked
The summer before this one was in a recreation position whereas this new position offered me over 10 training and certifiable courses in much more technical forestry work. Not only did we work on some of the roughest and most remote trails, we fought fires all summer! My crew was fantastic and the experience was unforgettable.
What I wish was different
I could have had more open minded bosses.
Advice
Get out there and DO IT! The USFS will house you for $6 a day, pay you around 14 dollars an hour for 40 hour weeks and firefighting adds hazard pay! Meaning I was paid 28 dollars an hour at one point for 60 hours of overtime! Keep in mind, it is intense but you will be prepared for it!
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Timber Sale Prep Crew Member
May - August 2018 • Potlatch, ID
What I liked
I got to hike around in the woods all day every day, so that was pretty dope.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Wildfire Engine Crew
May - August 2018 • Cortez, CO
What I liked
Being outside, working hard, learning new things, meeting interesting people
What I wish was different
Advice
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Wildland Firefighter
June - August 2018 • Montpelier, ID
What I liked
It’s a great job with a great culture and people to work with. You work constantly in beautiful areas. The pay is great too.
What I wish was different
- no complaints
Advice
Apply early
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Rangeland Management Intern
May - August 2018 • Logan, UT
What I liked
I liked being able to work out side and see how a federal agency operates.
What I wish was different
It would have been nice to have a more predictable schedule of tasks to complete.
Advice
Ask lots of questions about the internship during the interview, and don't be afraid to inquire about additional experiences that you could have in an internship.
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Recreation Technition
June - August 2018 • Prairie City, OR
What I liked
Wonderful coworkers, constantly busy, great bosses.
What I wish was different
Not a thing
Advice
Be ready for work
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Wildland Firefighter
May - August 2018 • Helena, MT
What I liked
My favorite part of the job was being outside all day with the best people.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Public Affairs Intern
May 2018 • Ogden, UT
What I liked
Getting out in the field, writing, photography, educating others about natural resources
What I wish was different
Not spending so much time in the office. It sucks sitting in the chair and staring at a computer all day.
Advice
Make friends. :)
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Range Pathways Intern
May 2018 • Stanley, ID
What I liked
Working outside everyday and seeing new places.
What I wish was different
More people to work with
Advice
Take a chance and take the job that’s in a place you’ve never been before!
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Forestry Technician
May - August 2018 • Kamas, UT
What I liked
Working outdoors and the 4/10s schedule
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Be willing to move around for USFS jobs
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Wilderness monitoring intern
June - August 2017 • Mammoth Lakes, CA
What I liked
Being outdoors all the time, working with GIS and a team
What I wish was different
It was pretty disorganized and job description wasn't that accurate.
Advice
Be ready to do a lot of hiking (6-12 miles a day) and manual labor.
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Botany Intern
June - September 2018 • Thorne Bay, AK
What I liked
I was able to gain hands on experience in forest ecology and botany, and many other branches of natural resource sciences.
