You can help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Calling for the next generation of dynamic conservation stewards

At the heart of our agency’s mission is our purpose—the ultimate answer to why we do what we do. Everything we do—across our broad and diverse agency—is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because our stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives our agency’s mission and motivates our work across the agency. It’s been there from our agency’s very beginning, and it still drives us.

Are you ready to jump-start your career with a USFS internship or fellowship in the US Forest Service Research Participation Program? Get started below! 

Additional Information

Why apply?

You will:

  • Learn from and collaborate with USFS scientists and professionals in your field to address the nation’s current challenges and establish long-term relationships and connections
  • Develop critical skills and contribute to mission-related research activities under the guidance of natural science experts
  • Receive financial support including a stipend and travel allowances for internships and fellowships
  • Gain a competitive advantage for your future as you apply your education and talent in a variety of settings

Am I eligible?

Because of the educational nature of these programs, participants must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), and must maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.
  • Postgraduates must have received their degree in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date, or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.
  • Faculty must be full-time faculty from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Established scientists interested in new research training activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the USFS program coordinator and ORISE management staff if there is an opportunity posting that requires an established scientist.

Selections are made by the USFS mentor after completion of an eligible application in Zintellect. More information is available on the Information for Applicants page.

Applications will be considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

What will I receive?

  • Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend to help defray living and other expenses during the appointment. Stipend rates are determined by USFS and are based on the participant’s educational level. Some mentors may also award relocation, a travel allowance, and/or a health insurance stipend
  • Travel: Depending on your project assignment, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for travel and educational experiences which promote the educational goals of your appointment.
  • Relocation Allowance: A relocation reimbursement may be provided for expenses for participants who relocate more than fifty miles, one-way, to the assigned hosting site. You will be responsible for securing your own living space and determining your means of local transportation prior to arriving at the designated host site. Hosting facilities may provide assistance locating appropriate housing in the local area.
  • Health Insurance: A health insurance stipend is typically provided to cover medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Learn more about the major topics our research covers and the programs focused on those topics.