Resource Assistants Program

The Resource Assistants Internship is a rigorous and immersive, paid internship for individuals who are interested in conservation, natural and cultural resources, research and development, or other careers.

The program engages students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations helping the Forest Service to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce and carry out mission-critical work.

Above: Resource Assistant Andres L. Perez Cintron and Forest Health and Protection Program Manager Dr. Christina N. De Jesús Villanueva at the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents 17 and up. If you are enrolled in an institution of higher education, especially a minority-serving one, you receive preference.

Benefits

Practical, on-the-job experience in natural and cultural resource management careers.
Coaching and mentoring by Forest Service staff and partners.
Weekly stipend; housing, travel, and training allowances; and optional health care.
Networking access to career opportunities with Forest Service units.
Eligibility for Direct Hire and Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility authorities for 2 years after successful completion of the program.

How to Apply to the Program

The following partners post Resource Assistants opportunities to their job boards. Visit the following pages to learn more about each partner and for instructions on how to apply.

National Partners

Regional Partners

Resource Assistant Stories

As a Resource Assistant Program Intern, Andres L. Perez Cintron works as a Natural Resources Specialist with the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. His love for the environment led him to work on his master's degree in environmental planning where he hopes to continue his work for the Forest Service in Puerto Rico.

As a Resource Assistant Program Intern, Maya Deshpande works as a Geographic Information Specialist. Maya shares her story working on the Forest Service Career Map in the Washington Office of the USDA Forest Service.