Resource Assistants Internships
The Resource Assistants Program 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
- Mobilize Green
- Greening Youth Foundation
- Hispanic Access Foundation
- Environment for the Americas
- Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
Regional Partners
- The Great Basin Institute
- Northwest Youth Corps
- Conservation Legacy
- Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program.
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.
Help Is Available
- Email sm.fs.rap@usda.gov
- Visit forestservicestewardship.org for more information.
Other Internship Programs and Job Opportunities
- Indian Youth Service Corps (link coming soon): Paid experience working on
exciting conservation projects on Indian lands. Work 640 hours to earn a non-competitive hiring authority. Preference given to Indian youth. - Public Land Corps: Paid experience working on conservation and stewardship projects. Work 640 hours to earn a non-competitive hiring authority.
- Student or Recent Grad Pathways Internships: Paid full or part-time internships. Program lengths and specifics for converting to permanent positions vary.
- Presidential Management Fellows: Advanced degree holders compete in the Federal Government's flagship leadership program to a two-year paid fellowship. Upon completion, potential conversion to a permanent position.
- Forest Service Careers webpage.
|
|
    |
