Launch Your Career: Forestry Technician (Recreation) Opportunities

Are you looking for a career that takes you off the beaten path? The U.S. Forest Service is currently recruiting for the 2027 season, offering unique opportunities for Forestry Technicians (Recreation) to support our nation’s National Forests.

Job Responsibilities

As a Forestry Technician, you will be the eyes and ears of our recreation programs. Key duties include:

Performing winter patrols of wilderness boundaries.
Overseeing the maintenance of trails and recreation sites.
Providing public education on Forest Service rules and regulations.
Collecting avalanche data and supporting rescue operations.
Monitoring user impacts and reporting findings.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate:

Certification: Minimum Level I American Avalanche Association (or equivalent) and current First Aid/CPR.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in using snowmobiles, ATVs, skis, and snowshoes.
Communication: Ability to explain regulations to the public.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. Citizen, 18 years of age, and pass a background check.

Comparison of Potential Work Environments

Setting	Primary Focus	Key Equipment
High Alpine	Avalanche Safety	Skis/Snowshoes
Forest Interior	Trail Maintenance	ATVs
Wilderness Boundary	Visitor Compliance	Snowmobiles

Salary and Benefits

This position is rated at the GS-5 level, with a starting base pay of $19.52 per hour. Benefits include professional development and the invaluable experience of working in some of the most protected and beautiful environments in the United States.

How to Apply

Prepare a concise, two-page resume.
Collect necessary transcripts and certification documents.
Log into your USAJOBS account to complete the application.
Submit before the closing date: November 12, 2026.

Are there opportunities for relocation?

This position has multiple locations available. Please review the announcement carefully for details on duty stations.

If you are passionate about the outdoors and ready to serve the public by protecting our National Forests, apply today to join the U.S. Forest Service team.

Why This Forestry Technician (Recreation) Job Matters

Transform your love for the great outdoors into a career with the U.S. Forest Service as a Forestry Technician, where you will protect, manage, and preserve our nation's most iconic wilderness areas.

Forestry Technician (Recreation) Job Overview

The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Forestry Technicians (Recreation). This role is vital for maintaining the health and accessibility of our forests. You will serve as a steward of the land, focusing on winter recreation programs, trail management, and visitor education across various scenic locations. If you are comfortable working in remote environments and passionate about outdoor resource management, this is an incredible opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of our public lands.

Requirements for Forestry Technician (Recreation)

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
Minimum Level I American Avalanche Association certification or equivalent.
Ability to safely operate and maneuver ATVs, snowmobiles, skis, and snowshoes.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Willingness to live and work in remote, sometimes unpredictable environments.
Must pass an E-Verify employment verification check.

Preferred Qualifications for Forestry Technician (Recreation)

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, wildlife management, or related fields.
Experience in writing incident reports or issuing notices as a Forest Protection Officer (FPO).
Previous field experience in trail maintenance or recreation site management.
Ability to conduct technical data collection for avalanche or wildlife reporting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employment benefits and career development
✓Opportunity to work in diverse ecological environments
✓Contribution to national conservation efforts
✓Professional training in resource management and safety protocols

💡 How to Apply Forestry Technician (Recreation) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Forestry Technician (Recreation) Job

Review the full announcement details and documentation requirements.
Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and details your relevant work history.
Prepare digital copies of your transcripts if using education to qualify.
Complete the online Assessment Questionnaire via the official hiring portal.
Upload all required supporting documents before the application window closes.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Clearly link your past experience to the major duties listed in the job description.
Apply well before the deadline to ensure you have time to resolve potential technical issues.
Use official transcripts to verify any educational claims.
Contact the help desk early if you require reasonable accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary appointment intended for the 2027 hiring season, with a maximum duration of up to one year.

Can I choose my work location?

The position is available in multiple locations. During the application process, you can indicate your preference or opt for 'Location Negotiable' to be considered for various regions.

What is the pay scale for this position?

The position is at the GS-5 level, starting at $19.52 per hour based on the Rest of U.S. locality rate. Actual pay may vary depending on the specific geographic location.

Do I need a degree to qualify?

While a degree in forestry or natural resources is beneficial, you may also qualify through a combination of specialized experience at the GS-4 equivalent level.

Job from Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service is a federal agency under the Department of Agriculture that manages 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests to meet the needs of present and future generations.