Forest Service Employment FAQ
Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions:
Q: How many people does the Forest Service employ?
A: There are more than 30,000 men and women who serve in Forest Service career positions in locations across the country.
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Q: What occupations does the Forest Service hire the most?
A: The occupations for which the Forest Service hires in significant numbers each year generally include (in relative descending order) Foresters, Forestry Technicians, General Biological Scientists, Fish and Wildlife Biologists, Civil and General Engineers, and Engineering and Biological Science Technicians.
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Q: I've just finished high school and I'm having trouble figuring out what I want to do with my life. What sort of career opportunities does the Forest Service offer?
A: Forest Service employees have varied skills and serve our mission in very different ways. After all, we have more than 30,000 men and women working in locations across the country. Whether you're interested in being a biologist, forester, computer specialist – or something completely different, the Forest Service may have a career that matches your skills and interest.
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Q: I am interested in natural resource careers. But I don't know where to start. Can you help me?
A: The Forest Service is one of several Federal agencies with natural resource careers that span a wide range of natural resource fields, from biological to physical science disciplines, to engineering. Forest Service jobs are extremely competitive and require considerable study and hard work. Degree programs in forestry, forest management, ecology, botany, biology, wildlife and fisheries management, or other related natural resource disciplines will certainly help prepare you for the demands of a career with the Forest Service.
Besides academic coursework, there are many avenues and opportunities you can use to guide your career interest in natural resources. Pursue what drives your thirst for knowledge, challenges and motivates you to contribute. A practical way you can gain hands-on experience and be exposed to a variety of natural resource programs is to become a Forest Service volunteer or temporary employee.
Gaining insight about the natural resource mission and learning about career experiences of others in the organization might be good places to start.
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Q: Which college courses will make me most marketable for Forest Service employment?
A: Forest Service careers are extremely competitive and require considerable study and hard work. Degree programs in forestry, forest management, ecology, botany, biology, wildlife and fisheries management, or other related fields will certainly help prepare you for the demands of a career with the Forest Service.
We recommend speaking with your college counselor or student advisor for help planning the best course of study for you. You may also consider contacting a Forest Service office to speak to professionals in program areas most relevant to your field of study for coursework planning.
