Careers and Jobs
Southern Region Recruitment
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.
Upcoming Hiring Events and Webinars
Helpful Links and Resources:
- Join our Job Seeker Database! And Stay updated on recent information.
- Building your Federal Resume
Meet the Team
Recruiters:
- Jonathan Gill - Acting Lead Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Kelly Donaldson - Assistant Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Janie Corona - Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Dayvson “Boston” Bernardo - Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
- Jesse McDicken - Recruiter for the Eastern and Southern Region
For more information, please send an email to sm.fs.r8recruiting@usda.gov
Students and Recent Graduates Hiring
The Federal Pathways Program
The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and those with an advanced degree. There are three paths available:
Internship Program
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 you’ve interned for at least 640 hours (about two summers) and completed 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. Learn more.
Recent Graduates Program
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. Learn more.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program is for recent graduates with an advanced degree—either a professional or graduate degree such as a master’s, Ph.D. or J.D. You may be eligible if you: 1) Have completed an advanced degree from a qualifying educational institution or program within the past two years of the annual application opening date, or 2) Are a current graduate student and will complete all of your advanced degree requirements (including the completion or successful defense of any required thesis or dissertation) by August 31st of the following year of the annual application. Learn more.
Pathways Annual Hiring Events
Each year, we join our partners at their conferences to promote our student and recent graduate opportunities. These events give us a chance to share our positions with a larger and more diverse audience. Our partner conferences include:
Although we accept applications in coordination with these conferences, you don’t have to attend the conference to apply. All Pathways positions are listed on USAJobs. More information about our annual hiring events can be found on our Hiring and Recruitment Events page. You will also find regularly scheduled webinars to help you navigate the hiring process.