Seattle Television covers USFS Event
SEATTLE — The indoor set-up at the Yesler Community Center on Friday was for the most competitive outdoor jobs.
The U.S. Forest Service planned to hold a job fair Friday evening for 1,000 seasonal jobs.
“Everything from wilderness rangers to wildland fire fighters to climbing rangers to individuals who provide information at our visitors centers,” said Aleta Eng with the USFS
The job fair is focused on recruiting youth, most of whom grew up waiting for this chance.
“For many of our members, the Forest Service is the pinnacle. It’s what they want to reach to, it’s what they want to strive toward,” Patrick Stephens said.
Stephens alerted former members of the Student Conservation Association. It’s one of several partner organizations that connects young people with the Forest Service.
“Our students move with us through the years in high school, but after high school, where do you become a steward of your environment but the Forest Service?” Emily Sachwald said.
Sachwald works for King County Parks and Recreation. Even after two years of record wildfires, she says students are even more interested in jobs fighting fire.
“I think last year we had over 50,000 applications. So, a lot of competition,” Eng said.
From November 30 – December 7, 2015, the Forest Service is accepting applications for over 1,000 temporary spring and summer jobs in Oregon and Washington. Positions are available in multiple fields, including fire, recreation, natural resources, timber, engineering, visitor services and archaeology.
The event is scheduled for Friday, December 4, from 4:00pm-6:30pm at the Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122.