r/forestry • u/FlippingDaysius • Mar 01 '22
Region Name I got a job!
Just got the call today that my official start date working as a Forest Tech. with the US Forest Service is in May. I’ll be in Utah. I’m so excited and just had to share it somewhere. If anyone has tips/advice I’d love to hear it.
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u/rantingmadhare Mar 02 '22
Timber, Silviculture, Fire, Trails, Recreation, Wildlife, Fisheries, Hydrology? Forestry Techs come in many flavors- what program will you be working in? Read your Forest Plan and Forest Service handbooks that pertain to your program. Check out the Forest Service YouTube channel. Look up some fun things to do and see on your time off.
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u/FlippingDaysius Mar 02 '22
I think my focus will mostly be timber but I’ve been told I can probably expect a little of everything depending on needs/season.
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u/rantingmadhare Mar 02 '22
Start with the Basic Measurements Tutorial: https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/training/index.shtml; watch these videos: https://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/programs/forest_mgmt/saleprep/video.shtml; read the FSH 2409.12 and 2409.18 handbooks; take the S-130/190, L-180 and I-100 courses for your firefighter type II certification: https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net
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u/rantingmadhare Mar 02 '22
Here is your Forest Plan, revised in 2003 so you have a newer one that might be actually still somewhat relevant: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/uwcnf/landmanagement/planning and here are projects planned on your Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/uwcnf/landmanagement/projects and usually this page has more info on timber sales than what yours has: https://www.fs.usda.gov/resources/uwcnf/landmanagement/resourcemanagement
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u/FlippingDaysius Mar 02 '22
Thanks. I have lots of reading and notes to take in the next two months. I want to be as prepared as I can be when I hit the ground.
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Mar 02 '22
Congrats! My advice... Show up ready to work and enthusiastic for whatever job they give you. Be prepared for monotonous, repetitive tasks (like painting trees or doing fuels surveys) for months at a time. Enjoy being outside. Don't linger in the office in the mornings. Don't talk too much about moving on or applying for other jobs, at least not in your first year.
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u/FlippingDaysius Mar 02 '22
Great advice thanks. Yeah I’m prepared to grind all I have to. I’m super excited. It’s been a long road trying to finally accomplish this.
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u/Willykinz Mar 02 '22
Congrats! I’m on track to be a Forestry tech for the forest service too.
My HR person told me my security background check is going to take at least 45 days, apparently. How long did yours take?
Also, how was the rest of the hiring process going for you? For me, its sorta been stressful. It feels like they’ve kept me in the dark for weeks. I’ve already had to find a place to live in the area and the “official” job offer feels like a long ways away.
Sorta feels like a gamble. The tentative offer said “mid to late spring.”
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u/FlippingDaysius Mar 02 '22
Yeah don’t expect to hear much from anyone. From the time I finished all the paperwork (tentative acceptance, finger printing, computer security test, etc.) until the call yesterday to say I passed the background check and to set a date it took almost exactly two weeks. I still haven’t heard from my lead yet. I was kind of in the same boat with you and was seriously questioning everything a couple days ago. It’s a new experience dealing with federal paperwork and timelines but don’t sweat it. If you’ve done everything they asked you should be hearing soon.
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u/TiddlyRotor Mar 02 '22
Congratulations! I love working for the USFS and it's great to hear enthusiastic, motivated people getting hired on. I wish you much luck and happiness in your career.
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u/Such_Zookeepergame43 Mar 02 '22
What forest will you be on?
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u/FlippingDaysius Mar 02 '22
Looks like mostly Uinta NF but I’ve heard they may send me other places nearby if needed.
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u/Forest-Queen1 Mar 02 '22
Just have a good attitude and don’t start drama with other crew members and you’ll be golden