Agriculture and Forestry Jobs in the Federal Government
Individuals are employed in agriculture and forestry work in many fields, in a variety of locations, and as part of many agencies across the federal government.
Job Profiles
Here are examples of recent job openings in agriculture and forestry. Explore more and apply now at USA Jobs.
Agronomist at the Agricultural Research Center
- Salary Range: $28,349 - $36,856 per year
- Duty Locations: Throughout the nation
- Summary: The Agricultural Research Service employs U.S. citizens interested in evaluating forage plants for breeding programs.
- Major Duties: The agronomist’s duties include developing improved legume cultivars for dry rangelands and irrigated pastures; field planting and harvesting; caring for a greenhouse during winter months; and maintaining equipment and records.
Forestry Technician at the National Park Service
- Salary Range: $28,349 - $36,856 per year
- Duty Locations: Yellowstone National Park
- Summary: The National Park Service hires candidates who would to help preserve the nation’s natural and cultural resources. Jobs with the National Park Service often lead to life-long, fulfilling careers.
- Major Duties: The technician’s primary responsibilities are assisting with wildland fires by evaluating and predicting behavior, preparing and supervising prescribed fires and hazard fuel reduction projects. The technician is often required to travel to and camp in secluded areas. Duties often include taxing physical activities.
Resource Conservationist at the National Resources Conservation Service
- Salary Range: $51,972 - $80,975 per year
- Duty Locations: Throughout the nation
- Summary: The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers positions to people who want to ensure that all of us are able to enjoy the benefits of productive soil and clean water.
- Major Duties: The resource conservationist will help to plan and apply resource management systems, take the lead with conservations materials and programs and evaluate local conservation planning and application.
Internship Examples
Look for other internship opporunities across the U.S. by searching an agency's Web site, studentjobs.gov, or our internship database.
The Prince William Forest Park, located in Triangle, Virginia, offers a sixteen week summer internship program for students interested in visitor services. Prince William Forest Park, a unit of the National Park System, consists of more than 15,000 acres of Piedmont and Coast Plain Forest. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college or university, and possess a valid state drivers license. Duties include staffing the visitor contact station, operating a fee collection station, roving park trails, and assisting park visitors with directions, orientation, and trail information. Training is provided, as well as uniforms and a daily stipend. www.nps.gov/prwi/Internship.htm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers various paid internships to students of all levels. Interns serve as assistants to scientific, professional, administrative, and technical employees. The USDA is committed to providing opportunities that could lead to permanent positions.
www.usda.gov/da/employ/StudentInfo2.htm
Federal Jobs by the Numbers
Number of Agriculture and Forestry Positions by Field
Field |
Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions |
|---|---|
Forestry/Forestry Technician |
11,943 |
Soil Conservation |
6,367 |
Fish Biology/Wildlife Bilogy/Ecology |
5,992 |
Veterinary Science/Animal Health Technician |
2,197 |
Range Technician/Rangeland Management |
2,098 |
source: Fedscope 12/06
Percentage of Forestry Positions by Region
Source: Fedscope 12/06
Number of Agriculture and Forestry Positions by Agency and Agency Subcomponent
Agency / Subcomponent |
FTP Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Agriculture (total employees: 98,297) |
|
— National Forest Service |
31,632 |
— National Resources Conservation Service |
12,550 |
— Food and Safety Inspection Service |
9,767 |
— Agricultural Research Service |
8,706 |
— Animal and Plant Inspection Service |
8,123 |
— Farm Service Agency |
5,419 |
Department of Interior (total employees: 59,832) |
|
— National Park Service |
19,513 |
— U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
9,123 |
— Bureau of Land Management |
9,980 |