Geoscientists in Forests

The USDA Forest Service Lands, Minerals and Geology (LMG) office in partnership with the Conservation Legacy and the Geological Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce the Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) Program offering paid workforce development opportunities to emerging geoscientists that leverage Agency capacity to conduct geologic work.
The USDA Forest Service Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) —a new program— specializes in workforce development opportunities that address geoscience-related needs and management priorities. The program is designed for individuals aged 18-30 and veterans up to age 35. The projects will involve predominantly field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation for agency staff and the public. With the participant's assistance, the USDA Forest Service can accomplish essential geoscience projects that would otherwise be unattainable owing to lack of full-time staff geoscience specialists.
The primary purposes of the Geoscientists in Forests Program are to:
- Provide on-the-ground geoscience training and experience for the next generation of Forest Service geoscience stewards;
- Promote an immersive, paid developmental experience for emerging geoscience professionals through Forest Service mentorship;
- Address critical geoscience needs on National Forest System lands; and
- Promote career exploration and professional development for recent graduates.
PLEASE NOTE - All positions are conditionally offered based on available USFS funding.
The USDA Forest Service Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) is a Public Land Corps (PLC) program. PLC programs are authorized by the Public Land Act of 1993. To be eligible for this program, participants must:
- Be 18-30 years old (up to 35 years old for veterans) on their first day of service
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
For more information on PLC, please visit - Public Lands Corps | US Forest Service.
For questions regarding the Geoscientists in Forests Program or application process, please contact us.
2025 Geoscientists in Forests Openings - RECRUITEMNT FOR 2025 IS CLOSED.
Stay tuned for 2026 positions in December 2025. See below for positions hosted in 2025.
POSITION TITLE | FOREST SERVICE UNIT | LOCATION | LENGTH OF SERVICE | HOUSING PROVIDED | LINK TO APPLY |
Geology Interpretive Assistant | Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument | Toutle, WA | 26 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Karst and Cryosphere Inventory Assistant | Bridger-Teton National Forest | Pinedale, WY | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Geologic Inventory Assistant | Huron-Manistee National Forests | Wellston, MI | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Geotechnical Engineering Assistant | Willamette National Forest, Supervisor's Office | Springfield, OR | 12 Weeks | Maybe | Position Closed |
Interpretive Assistant | Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, Wall Ranger District, National Grasslands Visitor Center | Wall, SD | 16 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Karst and Bedrock Conservation Plan Assistant | Hiawatha National Forest, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Ranger Districts | St. Ignace, MI | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Hydrology Technical Assistant | Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay/Craig Ranger District | Craig, AK | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Geologist/Physical Science Assistant | Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Supervisors Office | Kamiah, ID | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Slope Stability and Stream Survey Assistant | Umpqua National Forest, North Umpqua Ranger District | Glide, OR | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |
Watershed and Geology Program Assistant | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Supervisor's Office | Roanoke, VA | 12 Weeks | No | Position Closed |
Cave Interpretive Assistant | Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District | Thorne Bay, AK | 12 Weeks | Yes | Position Closed |