George Washington and Jefferson National Forest announces seasonal hiring
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply.
“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” said Forest Supervisor Joby Timm. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is recruiting for a variety of roles, including:
- Recreation and visitor services
- Trail and facility maintenance
- Active forest management
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.
Seasonal employees will welcome visitors and help care for campgrounds at Sherando Lake, Trout Pond, Lake Moomaw, and many other special places across the Forest.
“Seasonal jobs can be a first step into a natural resources career, a way to build experience, or simply a chance to spend the summer working outside,” added Timm. “We encourage anyone interested to apply.”
How to Apply
Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov beginning February 20.
Application periods, qualifications, and start dates vary by position. Applicants are encouraged to review job announcements carefully for deadlines and required materials.
Additional information about seasonal hiring including the location of available positions is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/gwj/working-with-us/careers/spend-your-2026-summer-us
Working for the Forest Service
To learn more about Forest Service careers, benefits and upcoming hiring events, visit fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.