Careers and Jobs
The Forest Service’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. For more than 100 years, this mission has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. More than ever, we realize the urgent need to recruit and retain a diverse and highly-skilled workforce to steward our shared natural resources in service to the dynamic needs of the American people.
No region is better positioned to recruit a workforce that reflects the population we serve than the Southern Region. Nestled within these 13 states and Puerto Rico lies a rich variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences nurtured by educational institutions that groom natural resource professionals.
Email the recruitment team Two-page resume guidance Forest Service careers
Now hiring
Make a lasting impact on the world! Unlock rewarding opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
Fire hire
The Forest Service offers temporary, permanent and apprenticeship wildland firefighting positions. Join the Forest Service and those who serve to protect our national forests and grasslands, communities and natural resources.
Additional hiring paths
The internship program is for current students in high school, college, trade school or other qualifying educational institutions. This program offers paid, short-term positions to explore federal careers while completing your education. Our internships often convert into permanent positions after interning for at least 640 hours (about two summers) and completing the requirements for your educational program (such as a certificate or degree). Internships are a great way to build skillsets, network and learn more about the agency.
The recent graduate program is for students who are graduating within the next nine months and those who have graduated within the past two years. This program offers career development, training and mentorship. You must apply for these positions within two years of getting your degree or certificate (veterans have up to six years to apply due to their military service obligation). These are exciting, entry-level positions that often reward employees with a “career-ladder” or annual promotion as they gain experience during the first years on the job.
Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers and assists them with obtaining employment.
The Youth Conservation Corps program provides teens ages 15 to 18 with a paid summer experience working as part of a team on fun and meaningful conservation projects on national forests and public lands. Teens in this program will gain environmental stewardship experience while learning about a variety of green careers and connecting with other young people.
The Resource Assistants Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals who are interested in conservation, natural and cultural resources, environmental management, research and development, or other career opportunities with land management agencies. The program emphasizes the engagement of current students, recent graduates and underrepresented populations in natural and cultural resources to work as resource assistants.
The Forest Service offers immersive programs, internships and scholarships for students in high school and college, recent graduates and other young professionals looking to start a career in conservation and public service.
Have a question for a recruiter?
- Jonathan Gill: Acting Lead Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Kelly Donaldson: Assistant Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Jesse McDicken: Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region