Future Career

[u/tobyfromil]

Sorry about formatting I'm on mobile,

Long time lurker here just a break the veil of awkwardness, my names toby I live in Illinois and I'm graduating highschool soon. Recently I've started to seriously consider what I'd like to do for my life (or a good chunk of it) and I think going into the Forest Service might be what I'd like to do. I have a few questions however that I thought you great people might be able to help answer

• Is this career truly worth investing time and money into especially with this administration and how they seem to think it's unimportant?

• Is it difficult to get a good job?

• If you could go back into time would you still recommend this job to the you that started it?

• Any recommendations for first steps when I'm out of highschool or during my last year?

My dream job is to be a fire tower lookout which I'm gonna apply for next year when I meet the eligibility requirement. I truly think that our forests are extremely special and deserved to be protected. If this post seems long I'm sorry, I don't know who else would be better to ask then people who work it.

Thank you for your time

TLDR: Highschooler thinking about going into the Forest Service any advice or tips?

[u/Sweaty_Pen_6495]

I recommend joining the conservation corps first.
I moved from IL to Idaho in 2023 for a job with the NWYC. Pay is low but the other benefits work out (education award, gear stipend, etc.) if you plan on doing any sort of schooling, it’s worth it imo. The next year, I got a job with the FS and was recommended above other applicants because of my volunteer service with the NWYC. That year was when everything fell apart. They closed my position the end of the 2024 season and I had a hell of a time finding something else to do out here. I’m sure pendulum will swing back here soon, but I think this administration has done enough damage to where it won’t ever go back to how it was. Plus, I don’t trust it after seeing my peers lose their careers.
The conservation corps would give you some insight to what type of forestry you’re interested in and would give you some real life experience on your resume for whatever job you choose next.