Applying for Park Service Jobs and Forest Service Jobs

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ILLUSTRATION: FOTOLIA/HELENOS
You'll encounter stiff competition for  National Park Service jobs and U.S. Forest Service jobs, so file your application early.

Are you ready to hoist your pack and head for a season in the woods? Well, be advised: So are several thousands of others! The competition for temporary National Park Service jobs and U.S. Forest Service jobs is very stiff, so apply as early as possible during their respective filing periods. In general, it’s best to apply in only one region (in fact, the Forest Service requires that its applicants choose one area to work in) … and to request a specific type of job for which you can offer relevant skills and experience.

U.S. Forest Service

All hiring for volunteer posts in national forests is done strictly on the local level, so you should inquire about such positions in person at the district ranger’s office in the forest where you want to work.

The Forest Service’s paid seasonal employees, on the other hand, are chosen on a national basis. To apply, you should first pick up the agency’s Form OMB No. 40-83976 … which is available from your local ranger station, by writing to the U.S. Forest Service, or online. This booklet contains an employment application, a map of all national forests and experiment stations, and the address of the Forest Service’s headquarters office in each region. Send your completed application (between the filing dates of December 1 and January 15) to one of those offices, which will forward your credentials in turn to each national forest in the area until all employment quotas are filled. (No Civil Service exam Is required for seasonal applicants.)

National Park Service

  • Published on Nov 1, 1980
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