Gifford Pinchot National Forest Announces Seasonal Hiring for Upcoming Recreation Season

Vancouver, Wash., (February 12, 2026)— The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply. “Our seasonal employees are the heart of summer operations, and seasonal jobs can be a first step into a natural resources career.  Working to keep Gifford Pinchot National Forest as well as Mount St Helens National Monument campgrounds, trails, and recreation sites open, safe, and welcoming for visitors is part of our mission and beneficial to our local communities,” said Johanna Kovarik, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience, and a great way to connect with public lands close to home. We encourage anyone interested to apply”. 

Positions are scheduled to go live on USAJobs.gov, beginning February 20th through March 3rd. Interested applicants will need to establish an account in USAJOBS and include a resume that meet current requirements. Potential applicants must be 18 years old by their first day of work. Bunkhouse style housing is available in all locations except Vancouver, WA for approximately $10 -$15 per day.. 

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is recruiting for a variety of roles at multiple locations including:

Vancouver, WA: 

• Forestry Technician GS6 (2 positions): will support the Spirit Lake program, forest road and recreation site access to the Forest.

Amboy, WA:

• Forestry Technicians GS5 (2 positions): will support the Spirit Lake program and recreational access to the Forest.
• Forestry Technician/Aid GS3-GS5 (5 positions): will provide support and expertise in recreation and front desk positions. 

Toutle, WA

• Forestry Technician GS4-GS5 (4 positions): will support the Coldwater Science and Learning Visitor Center and developed recreation program.

Trout Lake, WA

• Forestry Technician/Aid GS3-GS5 (11 positions): will assist in developed recreation, trails, wilderness, or front desk positions.

Carson, WA

• Forestry Technician GS5 (2 positions): will aid in road and recreation site access for visitor use.

Randle, WA

• Forestry Technician/Aid GS3-GS6 (7 positions): will assist in either developed recreation, trails, wilderness, front desk, or timber related programs. 

These positions are in addition to seasonal fire hire events, already underway. Bringing on seasonal employees will help improve trails, campgrounds and facilities for safer, reliable and enjoyable recreation experiences for all.  

To apply go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/ 

For additional information please visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/working-with-us/careers