Student Intern Interview
Introduce yourself: Name, current position & location, how long you did/ have worked for the Forest Service.
Hello, I’m Alexandra Houston Lewis (Alex), Region 8 Infinite Pathways student forester. (Natural Resources and Biological Sciences Group Student Trainee 0499). I am from the Appalachian mountains of Franklin, North Carolina. I enjoy deer hunting, trout fishing, archery, camping, baking, and good coffee. My current location is the Francis Marion National Forest in Huger, SC. This is my second summer on the Francis Marion as well as the second year as an infinite pathways student. Before this appointment in timber and silviculture, I had 6 summers (2012-2018) as a NTE student on the Nantahala Ranger District. This was during my high school and tech school years. On the Nantahala I assisted the recreation program and Yellow Mountain trail crew. The summer of 2015 I was a R8 student fire fighter.
I have an SAF accredited associate degree in forest resource management from Haywood Community College and I also completed a sustainable resource study abroad in León, Nicaragua. I am currently a junior at Clemson University in the Forestry program.
How did you get your start in and decide to work in the Forest Service?
Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, my Dad and Papaw passed on the passion for being outdoors. My favorite memories are camping with my family immersed in the natural beauty of the outdoors. My curiosity of forest systems began on those summer weekends spent camping. My pride and stewardship for the land emerged from the love of the forest. During high school I was on the FFA forestry team, I was eager to learn more about the places I so dearly loved. My agriculture teacher suggested that I apply for the Nantahala summer trail crew. I attended Haywood and became active in the local Society of American Foresters chapter (SAF). As graduation approached I weighed the options for jobs or continued education. During the National SAF convention of 2017 I applied for my current pathways position on the Francis Marion.
Did you relocate for this job? If so, how far was the move and how has the adjustment been?
Yes, I relocated. I left my hometown, house, and husband to live in a camper 6 hours from home during the summer months. The Charleston area near the forest has a high cost of living and limited short term rentals. We take turns commuting to see each other on the weekends. The forest, timber, and silviculture experience and my coworkers make the adjustment worth it.
Alexandra Houston Lewis. Photo by US Forest Service.
Measuring DBH. Photo by US Forest Service.
Measuring the height of a tree. Photo by US Forest Service.
What has your experience working for the Forest Service been like thus far?
I enjoy trainings and learning new tasks. I am most interested in timber and silviculture. I am a Region 8 certified timber cruiser. I enjoy working for the agency. On the Francis Marion I shadow the District Silviculturist, and conduct stand exams.
What has been one of the biggest challenges? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was leaving my home and my husband as well as finding a place to stay for the summer. To overcome I am staying in my camper, which is basically like a “mini home on wheels.” I also go home on the weekends or he comes to visit, and we spend time together fishing or at the beach.
What have you found rewarding about your career?
I value the knowledge of seeing what a district silviculturist does each day. I am thankful for a career that I can spend a part of my time outdoors. I’m honored to help manage the resources for others to enjoy.
What opportunity or aspect of your work with the Forest Service has been the biggest surprise?
The willingness of others to pass on knowledge and the tight knit community. The pathways infinite program is a nice surprise. As a student I feel that I am given the chance to be molded into the position from the ground up. I am also surprised that not many forest service employees are aware of the program. I would even like more information about what to expect after graduation.
Are you currently in school? If so, how do you balance school and interning for the agency?
Yes. I am a junior at Clemson University. I intern full time during the summer and when my schedule during the semester allows.
Would you recommend that your friend apply for Forest Service internships?
Yes. It is a great way to see what the agency has to offer and to gain experience while in school.
What one piece of advice would you give someone who was hoping to land an internship with the Forest Service?
I would suggest having a resume ready, a USA jobs account and to detail your resume to the announcement.
In what ways do you feel your work improves the lives of the public?
Timber management benefits everyone, creates forest biodiversity, historical landscape restoration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and local economic income through the loggers, truck drivers, and mills.
What broad impact do you feel your work has had?
Trees in the forest sequester carbon, help make clean air and the tree roots prevent erosion and help protect water quality, they provide habitat for wildlife, and they are an attractive green space for restoration and recreation. Everyone uses paper products and lumber and without timber we would not have this renewable resource which begins with timber management.
What does your work mean for future generations?
The forest provides a place to relax, renew and recreate. The timber products from the forest allow us to have wood and paper products.
Anything else you would like to share?
Great mentors are important to the pathways program.