Temporary Employees

Real Jobs. Real Impact.

You are one step closer to caring for the land and serving people. This guide will help you navigate the onboarding process and prepare for your new temporary job with the Forest Service. It includes tips, webpage links, and resources that explain aspects of becoming a temporary Forest Service employee.

Temporary employees have always played an important role in the Forest Service’s ability to achieve its mission. A significant number of permanent Forest Service employees started their careers in temporary positions in fire, recreation, timber, and wildlife. Seasonal or temporary work is a time-honored way for prospective employees to get their foot in the door and gain valuable work experience.

We appreciate your interest in working for the Forest Service!

Welcome! Whether you are just starting to explore temporary employment opportunities, or you are a successful applicant who has been selected for a temporary position with the Forest Service, this web-based guide is built for you.

The Temporary New Hire Onboarding Guide explains the onboarding process, highlights the steps you need to take to keep your onboarding process moving forward, and provides helpful information about resources and potential benefits for which you may qualify. The onboarding process can take approximately 60-days from the time you are selected for a position until you report to work.

In Phase 4, you will find information about how your temporary employment with the Forest Service can potentially position you to have non-competitive temporary rehire rights in future years and be eligible to compete for future permanent jobs!