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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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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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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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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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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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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Wilderness Ranger Intern
May - August 2018 • Bend, OR
What I liked
I was able to make my own choices throughout the season. I felt like a part of the team and not just an intern. I made really good connections as well.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been giving living arrangements and that I had had the ability to earn a Red Card.
Advice
Don't let your schedule define the internship. Make an effort to work extra days or change days to go out on hitches with the Rangers. Don't just be a trailhead steward.
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Wildlife Technician
May - August 2018 • Belt, MT
What I liked
The experience of a completely new forest structure and ecology. My supervisors were extremely educational and made sure my knowledge was enhanced. The hands on learning that correlated with my academic background was second to none and essential for my educational growth.
What I wish was different
More diversity in wildlife work experience.
Advice
Review the use of a dichotomous key and plant identification.
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forest service trail crew intern
May - August 2018 • Evanston, WY
What I liked
I loved the experience that I got from this job. I got to learn more about what people do to run our forests and gained more curiosity about natural resources.
What I wish was different
nothing.
Advice
Start looking earlier than later for summer internships like this.
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Forest Technician
May - August 2018 • Duchesne, UT
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to work outside everyday. Working with the government has a lot of great benefits.
What I wish was different
For a seasonal job it was exactly what I was looking for.
Advice
The job can be very difficult at times but it is still the best summer job I have ever had.
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Forestry Technician
May - September 2018 • Hebo, OR
What I liked
Freedom to make your own decisions and manage your time.
What I wish was different
Did not enjoy being stung by hornets on a daily basis. The forest is filled with them.
Advice
You will need prior forestry or natural resources experience to rate as a GS 5.
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Biological Technician
May 2018 • Ketchum, ID
What I liked
I got to be outdoors working to restore areas affected by fire
What I wish was different
more opportunity to plant and reseed fire areas
Advice
Do research into these jobs call and ask people at locations your are looking to apply for they will help find a fit for you and guide you so you take the proper course while in college.
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Visitor Services
May - August 2018 • Pollock Pines, CA
What I liked
Loved the location and the people I met. Really enjoyed the experience, and learning about the structure of the forest service.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more hands on time with my supervisor.
Advice
Don't be afraid if you're out of your comfort zone, that's where you learn the most!
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Forestry Aide
May - September 2018 • Lakeview, OR
What I liked
It was an excellent job. In fire suppression you work to protect life, property, and the wild lands of this country. Even when you are not fighting fires you are working out side and helping other forest service departments.
What I wish was different
The primary thing Iwanted to be different was some of the machismo culture.
Advice
Be ready to work hard physically and mentally.
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Civil Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Cedar City, UT
What I liked
It was a great environment to work in, gained so much valuable experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Forestry Technician
May - August 2018 • Neihart, MT
What I liked
Getting out into the workforce in a new location, understanding the agency better, and spending all day every day in a remote forest running chainsaws.
What I wish was different
I would have like to have been paid better. Some crew members were hard to deal with. And I wish the experience allowed for opportunities more relevant toward my degree/career path.
Advice
Get on USAjobs early and dress up your resume real Nice, be flexible and willing to work with many different people. Understand the positions you are applying for.
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Recreation Technician
May - August 2018 • Avery, ID
What I liked
Gaining contacts in the forest service
What I wish was different
More opportunity to explore other career pathways
Advice
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Range Scientist
May - August 2018 • Ephraim, UT
What I liked
Good way to get to know a little more about my internship.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had a little more diversity in what I did.
Advice
Always stay positive and work hard and everything will work itself out.
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Recreation technician
May - August 2018 • Rifle, CO
What I liked
This experience led me to find the career I want to spend my life doing. It was an amazing experience that has changed my life.
What I wish was different
I wish my internship would have lasted longer. There is so much more I could have done if I could have participated for two summers instead of one.
Advice
Be prepared for physical labor.
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Business Intern
May - August 2018 • Grand Junction, CO
What I liked
The people from the forest service Grand Junction office were all helpful, kind and hardworking, which made my experience incredibly educational and provided me an opportunity to learn what the agency is all about.
What I wish was different
I had a really good experience and no complaints.
Advice
Be ready to work and learn to communicate with everyone around you. Try to understand what everyone does and ask as many questions as you can come up with!
