How to Become a Deputy District Forest Ranger for the USDA Forest Service

Conservation through the USDA Forest Service preserves the land for the enjoyment of future generations.

With territories spread throughout the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service relies on the dedication and service of deputy district forest rangers. Charged with performing technical and administrative support for an individual district, the deputy district forest ranger is the right hand of the district forest ranger. Among his many duties, the deputy district forest ranger provides coordination and management of the Forest Service programs. Involvement in the development and creation of action plans and assistance with the Forest Land Management Plan make this position vital to the protection of Forest Service land. Aspiring deputy district forest rangers should possess communication and leadership skills, management experience and business acumen, in addition to an educational background in the appropriate fields of study.

Instructions

Education and Experience

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in a natural resource field of study such as forestry and forest management. With this type of degree, you will be better prepared to meet the challenges faced daily by district rangers.

2. Volunteer for the Forest Service. The Forest Service recommends that high school and college aged students considering a career volunteer with the service first. For college students, your individual college or university may offer class credits for any volunteer work performed with the Forest Service.

3. Achieve at least one year of experience at the GS-12 (general schedule) level in the U.S. civil service. This includes a year's experience in the field with at least a GS-11 level.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Go to USAJobs website and search job openings by keyword and/or area. With hundreds of districts throughout the country, you can search by state and job position.

2. Find an opening and carefully review the requirements. The Forest Service requires that all applicants complete an online application at the avuedigitalservices website (see Resources). This application has been specially formulated by the agency, and just submitting your resume will not be sufficient.

3. Submit any additional documents needed. All applicants are required to submit their college or university transcripts. For active-duty military as well as veterans and their spouses, specific documentation of service or disability will be required. Those applicants who are not current employees of the Forest Service must submit an SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action, and those who are asking for placement priority through the federal Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) are required to provide a Notice of Expected Separation or similar document.

4. Submit your resume and performance appraisal for federal employees. While these are not required, the Forest Service encourages applicants to include this information to improve their chances of being selected for the position.

Tips & Warnings

• Positions as a deputy district forest ranger are highly competitive, and there is no guarantee that you will be selected. However, with the right educational and professional background, your chances can be greatly increased.

References

• Federal Government Jobs: Deputy District Ranger
• USDA: For Parents and Students
• USDA: Benefits and Training

Resources

• USAJOBS
• avuedigitalservices