USDA Forest Service

Biological Technician Intern

June - August 2018 • Winthrop, WA

What I liked

My internship has opened up a new lifestyle for me. I grew up in big cities, while my internship requires me to be in the wilderness hiking all the time. I also enjoyed being able to be exposed to a variety of experiences that gave me the big picture instead of focusing on one area. I primarily worked with the wildlife department, but I was also involved in other departments and shadowed various people of different roles. Above all, I discovered my love for art from my biology internship. My summer experience helped me to make the decision of declaring studio art as my second major.

What I wish was different

Because I am a F-1 visa student, I need to have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in order to work off-campus in the U.S., and Wheaton requires the work to be credited, so I need to pay extra tuition of two credits to Wheaton to do my internship. I wish the registrar office could authorize international students to use CPT without enrollment in credited courses.

Advice

An internship is a great way to explore your career options and discover your callings. Even if you hated your internship, at least you now know what you don't want to do. So I encourage you to do any internship.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2020 • Springerville, AZ

What I liked

I enjoyed being outside, and the education I received.

What I wish was different

I wish I had gotten more experience with forestry methods.

Advice

expect to get covered in paint every day.

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Forestry Aide

May 2017 • Baker City, OR

What I liked

What I enjoyed most of this experience was the time spent among nature and building relationships with crew members. This job has been unlike any other when comparing comraderie aspects, for I have made some of my closest friends while working here.

What I wish was different

It’s difficult to say, but one thing that I wish had been different about this job is the process of hiring and rehirement. Difficulties with HR is almost inevitable when summer employment begins with the rush of so many new employees. However, the system in place is horrible in regards to responding to employees, often leaving customers on hold for well over an hour. I have personally experienced this, and have even lost two weeks worth of pay due to complications.

Advice

One piece of advice I could give to anyone seeking employment here would to be prepared to spend a lot time outdoors. This includes long, unpredictable, hours as well as days away from home and a shower.

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Information Receptionist

May - December 2019 • Cedar City, UT

What I liked

I really liked how this job position allowed me to work with every division within the forest service. I was able to learn new skills and I also had the opportunities to go out on the forest and see the different projects that were going on, on the district. A big part of my job was customer service whether it was selling permits or merchandise, answering phone calls, or replying to letters and emails sent from the public.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to go out in the field more. My job at the office definitely kept me busy but it was nice going out on the mountain when I could.

Advice

Be open minded when working for any agency that offers multiple career paths. I have been and am still set on working for the Forest Service's Range Management department, but this job showed me just how much more there is behind the scenes at the office. This agency has so much to offer from timber programs to hydrology to engineering, there is so much this place offers.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2018 • Sheridan, WY

What I liked

More experience. I got on a wildfire assignment

What I wish was different

More training and lead into pernament

Advice

Great gig for college students

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Wildland Firefighter

May - September 2019 • Missoula, MT

What I liked

Working outside, good people

What I wish was different

Better payp

Advice

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Biological Field Technician

May - August 2017 • Girdwood, AK

What I liked

The people I worked with, the local people, the town of Girdwood, and the environmental surroundings. Absolutely beautiful.

What I wish was different

Single room would have been nice, but that's asking for a lot.

Advice

Bring lots of rain-gear and warm clothes.

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Wild land firefighter

May - August 2020 • Grangeville, ID

What I liked

I love being in the outdoors, and the job is submersed in it. The job also allows for great profession even in the few short months. The crew was amazing and the work was good!

What I wish was different

In this profession we have to do physical training every day (PT). We started the season off really strong. In the first week we had ran 15 miles, and hiked 20 in full PPE. But after that first week, we really started to decline. We would have really easy PT and then every once in a while we’d get hit with like an 8 mile run. We were all out of shape for this and it made all of us struggle.

Advice

This job takes hard work. It also consumes your life. Out of the four months I worked I like I had about 10 days off MAX. The year before, I only had 3. It’s takes dedication, but it will bring the money in and train you hard!

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2019 • Libby, MT

What I liked

I love the atmosphere and the people I work with

What I wish was different

I wish we had had a better fire season

Advice

It is the best way to help pay for college. If you save up over the summer you can almost pay your tuition for the year

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Wildland Firefighter

June - September 2018 • Entiat, WA

What I liked

I liked how everyday is different and I got to see some amazing new places. Also had some really awesome coworkers.

What I wish was different

Would have been busier. With this job it isn't guaranteed that you will be busy working the whole time.

Advice

Get in shape, its an extremely demanding physical job.

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Timber technician

May - August 2018 • Laketown, UT

What I liked

I enjoyed the educational aspect and also that this job was outdoors all the time

What I wish was different

More teaching

Advice

I advise every forest student that wants to be a forester to try this job, it is an eye opener.

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Park Ranger

May 2018 • Millcreek, UT

What I liked

I got to build good friendships in my field of study as well as get amazing hands on experience

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time and was able to get more certifications

Advice

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with the right mindset you can do more than you ever thought you are capable of

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Hydrology Intern

June - September 2017 • Bishop, CA

What I liked

The ability to work outside and learn hands on the various aspects of the job. The job consisted of various skill development in using peripheral equiptment to measure and survey the various recreational areas used by the public park users.

What I wish was different

Nothing. I was hoping for a permanent job offer, but that was just not possible at the time.

Advice

Networking and making connections with everyone you come into contact with. Letting them know you are interested and motivated to work in their industry.

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Range Management

May 2018 • Idaho Falls, ID

What I liked

It showed me what I would expect in this field.

What I wish was different

I wish I would of took advantage of my time with people in my field by ask more questions.

Advice

Take in everything and do thing you wouldn’t normal try.

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Pathways Intern Forestry Technician

May 2018 • Boulder, CO

What I liked

Seeing a different state

What I wish was different

Wish it had been a biological technician job, instead of forestry

Advice

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Wildland Firefighter

April - August 2018 • Orleans, CA

What I liked

I like the challenge of being able to work under extreme conditions. Being able to maintain composure under continously stress is a valuable skill and something I was able to practice over the summer.

What I wish was different

I wish I had gone to more fires.

Advice

Always be accountable for everything such as being on time to committing yourself mentally and physically to the day's work. As a firefighter you do not have a clue how long or how hard that day's work will be so preparing yourself to be able to do the worst job with the best attitude is an assest.

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Public Affairs Intern

May - August 2018 • Williams, AZ

What I liked

The variety of outdoor experiences.

What I wish was different

Job was good, but hard to do with any summer classes.

Advice

Don't be afraid to try new things and admit when you don't know how to do something! But definitely take an opportunity to work with public lands/natural resources.

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Wildland Firefighter

May - August 2018 • Eureka, MT

What I liked

Great work, and lots of overtime.

What I wish was different

Advice

Continuous Improvement.

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Customer Service Representative

May - September 2018 • Stanley, ID

What I liked

Great experience, great people, great place!

What I wish was different

Overall it was a pretty ideal setup.

Advice

Get out and explore and share your experiences. Connect with people.

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Forestry Aide

May - August 2019 • Walla Walla, WA

What I liked

Opportunities to get paid training; camaraderie; being outdoors 90% of the time and learning a new trade while also having opportunities to explore other careers within the ranger district.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be prepared to hike tough terrain. Ask questions, even if you may seem annoying at first everyone will appreciate it if you start to grasp things faster!

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