NEW MEXICO—The Forest Service is hiring students, recent graduates, and merit status candidates into rangeland management and other natural resources positions in conjunction with the Society for Range Management annual meeting.

Josephine Profy, rangeland management specialist on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, began her career with the Forest Service after the 2018 society’s annual meeting. After speaking with Forest Service employees at the meeting, Profy decided to apply, and was later hired, for a rangeland specialist student trainee position in the Pathways program. Over the course of her internship, she gained vital knowledge and work experience in rangeland management, allowing her the opportunity to convert into her current full-time permanent position in 2019.

“I can honestly say this is my dream job. At this point in my life, I can’t imagine doing anything other than working as a range specialist for the Forest Service,” said Profy. “I am so happy I got the chance to pursue this passion and make a steady career out of it with this agency. It feels really good, because I’ve been able to inspire my college classmates to pursue the same career path. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend SRM and find out about that job opportunity.”

At the society’s annual meeting, attendees from across the range management industry and related education programs can learn about Forest Service job opportunities. This year, the Forest Service is participating in an all-virtual version of the conference, with many resources available to both meeting attendees and the general public. From Feb. 22 to 25, Forest Service recruiters and field employees will be available via Microsoft Teams to provide information about the agency and answer questions about the hiring process.

Kaelie Pena, rangeland management specialist on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, began her career with the Forest Service at the society’s annual meeting. Over the course of several days at the meeting, Pena underwent a series of job interviews and was finally offered a Student Trainee internship position in the Pathways program, then converted into a permanent position in 2018.

“Before my internship, I had no prior range management experience other than my undergraduate coursework. Being involved with SRM is the reason I have a career with the Forest Service,” said Pena. “If you are attending an event like SRM, visit the Forest Service booth and speak with the representatives there about all the opportunities available, and if you have questions, ask! I’ve also been able to use folks I have met through my involvement with SRM as references that have aided me in receiving scholarships, job opportunities and being accepted into the Forest Service National New Leader Program.”

Apply for rangeland management and natural resources positions on USAJOBS.gov Feb. 18-28. Applicants do not need to attend any SRM events to apply. All applicants may participate in the virtual Hiring and Field Employees Q&A rooms via Microsoft Teams Feb. 22-25.

To qualify for the Pathways program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, a current college student or have graduated within the previous two years and meet the qualification standards for the specific position. Please see vacancies on USAJOBS for information about merit status qualifications. For help with submitting your application, please visit our jobs page for more information and webinars.