Talk to someone who has actually done the program before you apply/accept the position!
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Field Leader
June - September 2019 • Leavenworth, WA
What I liked
I liked working on trails and being a part of youth development.
What I wish was different
I wish things had been more organized by our superiors. We were left in the dark most of the time.
Advice
When you want to give up the most, don't do it.
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Crew Leader
June - August 2019 • Hebo, OR
What I liked
Worked with various branches of the forest service
What I wish was different
Better training
Advice
Expect to learn on the job
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Conservation Intern
May - August 2018 • Avery, ID
What I liked
The opportunities to learn new hands on skills and networking to make future employment with the Forest Service easier.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been able to explore more of the tasks related to forestry and wildlife, rather than just recreation and trails.
Advice
Don’t be deterred by the fact that Avery is in a relatively remote location. Enjoy a summer of being fully immersed in nature and disconnect yourself from the internet and your phone.
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Trail worker
June - August 2019 • Eugene, OR
What I liked
I love doing something to better conservation efforts, getting my hands dirty, and getting to travel to so many beautiful natural areas in the PNW.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Conservation
July - August 2019 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
Working with conservation professionals to better the environment.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more science or environmental studies involved.
Advice
It’s a lot of hard work, not your typical office job.
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Field Leader
June - August 2019 • Eugene, OR
What I liked
Easy hiring process, friendly people, lots of outdoors.
What I wish was different
It was stressful having so many youth to look after. And missing home was a big one.
Advice
Try to learn from every experience and feeling you have instead of hiding it because it's a marathon (depending on what program you do).
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Campground Surveyor
July - September 2018 • Eugene, OR
What I liked
Getting paid to camp for 10-days with 4-days off at a time.
What I wish was different
An earlier start to experience more forest.
Advice
Bring a positive attitude and a motivated work ethic.
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Backcountry Trail Maintenance
June - September 2018 • Marblemount, WA
What I liked
Working with my hands and manipulating the earth to make trails passable. I liked being in the woods for 8 days and immersing myself into the surrounding environment. I enjoyed working through the physical and mental challenges of manual labor in the wilderness.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been able to get trained in how to use chainsaws.
Advice
The work is really hard but suprisingly rewarding. The people and location helped make this job fun!
