The USDA Forest Service Resource Assistants Program

The United States Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (RAP) is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, ages 17 and above, who are interested in natural and cultural resources, recreation management, research, grants and agreements, or other career opportunities with land management agencies.

Resource assistants are recruited by partner organizations and work under the direction of Forest Service staff to accomplish mission-critical work that develops leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication skills. Through collaboration, coaching, and mentorship, resource assistants launch their careers and expand their understanding of our Nation’s natural and cultural resources and land management priorities. 

"The Resource Assistant Program was the perfect segue into the career I have now. The knowledge about the Forest Service and the introduction to federal career paths it gave me was paramount to landing my first permanent job out of college! It was also a great way to explore different career opportunities before deciding which programs would be a good fit for me. I could not be happier with the work-life balance my job allows me, the constant support I receive from my team, the network of alumni support I have from my time as an RA, the fulfillment that public service provides me, and the security that a federal career gives me. I’m not sure I would have been able to do it without the RA Program and the wonderful mentors I have had along the way!" — Valeria Gonzales, resource assistant program alum, Washington Office

1. Expand and enhance the capacity of the Forest Service to accomplish mission-critical work and high priority projects.

2. Promote workforce development of highly motivated candidates through internships under the coaching and mentorship of Forest Service Staff.

3. Instill and foster stewardship values in the next generation of natural and cultural resource management professionals through career exploration and professional development.

4. Sustain our Nation’s forests and grasslands, deliver benefits to the public, apply knowledge globally, and excel as a high-performing agency.

• Minimum weekly stipend of $650 (full time or 40 hours/week) or $350 (part time or 28 hours/week
• Training and travel allowance for professional development ($2,750)
• Monthly housing stipend ($1000) and commuting allowance ($50)
• Health care
• Direct and non-competitive hiring authorities upon successful completion

Mission: To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Motto: Caring for the Land and Serving People

The Forest Service is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has several mission areas including aiding America’s farmers, improving health, ending hunger, ensuring food safety, providing marketing assistance, and conserving and protecting natural resources. The Forest Service, under the leadership of a Chief, manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. The agency is dedicated to the improvement of water resources, creation of jobs that will sustain communities, and restoration and enhancement of landscapes. For more than 100 years, the Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation.

As a values-based, purpose-driven and relationship-focused agency, our values reflect the proud heritage of our mission:

• Service. To each other. To the American people. To the planet.
• Interdependence. Of all things. People and nature. Communities and colleagues. The past, present, and future.
• Conservation. Protection when necessary. Preservation when appropriate. Restoration when needed, wise management for multiple use, and enjoyment always.
• Diversity. People and cultures. Perspectives and ideas. Experiences and ecosystems.
• Safety. In every way, physical, psychological, and social.

Current Chief of the Forest Service: Randy Moore

Chief Randy Moore was sworn in as the 20th chief of the USDA Forest Service on July 26, 2021 and is the first African American to hold the distinguished role. Moore started his career in conservation in 1978 and began work with the Forest Service soon after on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests in Colorado and the Comanche and Cimarron National Grasslands in Kansas. Since 2007, Moore served as Regional Forester in the Pacific Southwest Region where he had responsibility for 18 national forests (20 million acres of land) in California and oversaw State, Private and Tribal Forestry programs in Hawaii and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands.

Chief Moore believes strongly that a leader must adapt and grow, but that there are some principles that always hold true: A leader must be fair, inclusive, and willing to listen to and trust his employees. Chief Moore is committed to the Forest Service mission, distilling it to its core of improving forest and grassland conditions by bringing together partners from Tribes, state and local governments, communities, and nonprofit and private sector interests.

Click the blue dots to see the types of positions we fill. Applications for the 2024 cohort are closed. Check back in September for applications to join next year's cohort.

What types of work does an RA perform?

RAs accomplish mission-critical policy, program, science, or operations work. Duties maytake place outdoors or indoors. RAs receive practical on-the-job experience comparable to at least the GS-04 grade level. At the conclusion of their internship, RAs may become eligible to apply for positions at the GS-05 grade level and above based on their experience, training, and educational background. Learn more about the  federal general schedule pay scale .

What is the Forest Service Direct Hire Authority for Resource Assistants (DHA)?

The RAP DHA grants individuals who have successfully completed the program the ability to be hired without competition. To be eligible, the RA must meet the following criteria:

• Successfully complete 960 hours of full- or part-time work, not to exceed 3,500 hours over a two-year period;
• Have an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education; and
• Satisfactory performance in the RA role.

Individuals hired using this authority must be a U.S. Citizen and are appointed to permanent, term, or temporary positions. The RAP certificate is valid for two years after it is signed. The two-year timeframe cannot be paused, extended, or deferred.

How do I get started?

The first step is to review and apply for positions. Recruitment will last through April 2024 and if selected as a top candidate, you may be invited to an interview to discuss the role and talk about your interest and skills. Those applying to multiple positions may be invited to multiple interviews. Please be prepared to interview the week of May 6.

If selected for the program, you will be offered an RAship and will go through an onboarding process including completing documents, online training and an in-person orientation. Selected RAs can expect to start in July with a weeklong orientation from July 15-19, 2024.