Forest Service Summer Internship 2026

Summary: Utah State University is offering summer internship opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service at the Ferron Ranger District. Interns will support ecological resource areas and wildlife monitoring on the Manti-La Sal National Forest, engaging in various field activities and data collection tasks. Responsibilities: - Monitoring of shrubs and herbaceous vegetation - Driving 4x4 trucks and ATV's in adverse conditions - Monitoring effects of livestock grazing - Using GPS equipment to log weed locations - Weed removal using chemical and hand tools using backpack weed sprayers - Obtain a pesticide applicator permit - Building fence, fixing water troughs and pipelines - Recording data onto paper forms and hand held devices - Reading maps and orienteering to find remote job sites - Follow instructions with little or no oversight - Communicate frequently with supervisors to keep them informed - Keep safety in mind on all tasks - Monitoring of shrubs and herbaceous vegetation - Northern Goshawk Monitoring/ Surveys - Sage Grouse Summer Brood Rearing Surveys - Boreal Toad Spring Improvement project - Special Needs Fishing Day - Using GPS equipment to find known goshawk nests locations - Building fence, fixing water troughs and pipelines - Recording data onto paper forms and hand held devices - Reading maps and orienteering to find remote job sites - Follow instructions with little or no oversight - Communicate frequently with supervisors to keep them informed - Keep safety in mind on all tasks Required Qualifications: - Must be enrolled at USU and be 18 years of age - Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under 'Resume/CV' - This position requires considerable physical effort - Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds - Hike long distances (10-12 miles daily) while carrying heavy packs over rugged, steep terrain with downfall logs - Standing for extended periods - Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment - Employees work outside and will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods Required Skills: GPS equipment, Vegetation monitoring, Wildlife monitoring Important Skills: Pesticide applicator permit Nice-to-Have Skills: Physical stamina Internship Start Date: Start in 2026 Summer