As we look ahead to the upcoming summer recreation season, I want to share an important update about our workforce and the support you can expect.

Today, we announced plans to hire up to 2,000 seasonal workers nationwide. This is a big step forward for our agency and the communities we serve. Last summer, many of you took on extra work without the usual seasonal help. We saw your long hours, creative solutions, and the way you supported each other and the public. Your dedication truly made a difference, and we are proud of how you showed up for your communities.

Because of the progress we made this past year toward fiscal solvency, we’re now able to hire our seasonal workforce in a more stable and sustainable way. These positions will help support active management work and keep our campgrounds, trails, and recreation sites open, safe, and welcoming—work that directly supports our mission and the gateway communities that rely on the world-class recreation our forests provide.

We have also taken steps to speed up our hiring process so seasonal employees can start earlier and provide support when it’s needed most. This year, we are focusing our recruitment within the communities we serve. Local residents bring invaluable knowledge, pride and a strong connection to the places we care for. We are excited to offer more opportunities for people who want to work close to home.

These recreation positions are in addition to ongoing seasonal fire hiring. Together, they represent a meaningful investment in our workforce and in the visitor experience.

If you know someone who wants to join us this summer—whether to start a career in natural resources, get hands‑on experience or spend a season working outdoors—please encourage them to apply. All applicants must apply through USAJOBS.gov. You can find more details about seasonal jobs and upcoming local recruitment on our website.

Thank you again for everything you do. This hiring effort is about supporting you, strengthening our recreation services and trail system, and ensuring we’re ready to welcome millions of visitors to their national forests and grasslands this summer.

Editor's Note: Provide feedback about this column, submit questions or suggest topics for future columns through the FS-Employee Feedback inbox.