The Geoscientists in Forests Program will host an Applicant Webinar for all intersted candidates on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 3 PM ET / 1 PM MT. Please register to attend or view the recording at this link: 2026 Geoscientists in Forests - Applicant Q&A Webinar.

The USDA Forest Service Washington Office Lands, Minerals and Geology (WO-LMG) in partnership with the Conservation Legacy is pleased to announce the 2026 Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) Program offering paid professional development opportunities to emerging geoscientists that leverage Agency capacity to conduct critical geologic work in alignment with the administration’s priorities (see Executive Orders and Secretarial Memos listed below).

The GSF Program specializes in individual placements that address geoscience-related needs and management priorities. The program is designed for individuals aged 18-30, and veterans up to age 35. Projects involve predominantly field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation for agency staff and the public. GSF programs support Forest Service responsibilities under Executive Orders on American energy (EOs 14154, 14156, 14241), Secretarial Memo 1078-005, and the Public Land Corps Act’s workforce development focus.

The primary purposes of the Geoscientists in Forests Program are to:

• Address critical geoscience needs on National Forest System lands;
• Foster geoscience career growth to support mineral and energy development in alignment with the administration’s priorities;
• Provide on-the-ground geoscience training and immersive paid developmental experience for emerging geoscience professionals under Forest Service mentorship.

PLEASE NOTE - All positions are conditionally offered based on available USFS funding.

The USDA Forest Service Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) is a Public Land Corps (PLC) program. PLC programs are authorized by the Public Land Act of 1993. To be eligible for this program, participants must:

• Be 18-30 years old (up to 35 years old for veterans) on their first day of service
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
• Have a high school diploma or GED.