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 and underrepresented populations.
PLEASE NOTE - All positions are conditionally offered based on available USFS funding.
2025 Geoscientists in Forests Openings
INTERESTED? To learn more, join our GSF Information Webinar on Wednesday, January 8th at 10AM MT. Register Here: Meeting Registration - Zoom
APPLICATION NOTES:
Positions will close after 75 applications are received.
Applicants may apply for up to five open positions.
| POSITION TITLE | FOREST SERVICE UNIT | LOCATION | LENGTH OF SERVICE | HOUSING PROVIDED | LINK TO APPLY |
| Field Geology Assistant | Custer Gallatin National Forest, Sioux Ranger District | Camp Crook, SD | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Geology Interpretive Assistant | Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument | Toutle, WA | 26 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Karst and Cryosphere Inventory Assistant | Bridger-Teton National Forest | Pinedale, WY | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Geologic Inventory Assistant | Huron-Manistee National Forests | Wellston, MI | 12 Weeks | Maybe | Apply Here |
| Field Verification and Inventory Assistant | Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Supervisor's Office | Everett, WA | 16 Weeks | No | TBD |
| Geotechnical Engineering Assistant | Willamette National Forest, Supervisor's Office | Springfield, OR | 12 Weeks | Maybe | Apply Here |
| Interpretive Assistant | Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, Wall Ranger District, National Grasslands Visitor Center | Wall, SD | 16 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Karst and Bedrock Conservation Plan Assistant | Hiawatha National Forest, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Ranger Districts | St. Ignace, MI | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Hydrology Technical Assistant | Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay/Craig Ranger District | Craig, AK | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Geologist/Physical Science Assistant | Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Supervisors Office | Kamiah, ID | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Slope Stability and Stream Survey Assistant | Umpqua National Forest, North Umpqua Ranger District | Glide, OR | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
| Watershed and Geology Program Assistant | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Supervisor's Office | Roanoke, VA | 12 Weeks | No | Apply Here |
| Cave Interpretive Assistant | Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District | Thorne Bay, AK | 12 Weeks | Yes | Apply Here |
