Contact the School of Forestry's Student Success Team
Manager of Academic Success Programs
Senior Student Development and Support Coordinator
Recruitment and Retention Manager
Career readiness
What can you do with a degree in Forestry or Fire Management? Boundless opportunities await you. By taking advantage of the workforce development resources in the School of Forestry, you’ll be 100% career ready by the time you graduate.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness as a foundation from which higher education prepares students for a fulfilling career life, including success in the workplace. There are eight NACE career readiness competencies, which are skills employers look for.
Career development
Third year students (and up) are recommended to check out the CEFNS Career Development web page for information on internships and career development for Forestry students. First- and second-year students should begin their career journeys with NAU’s Career Development Office. All students should develop a Handshake profile to find great opportunities both on and off-campus. The School of Forestry’s Student Success Team can also help answer questions and guide your search. We’d love to hear from you!
The School of Forestry hosts and participates in career and internship fairs throughout the school year. Information about these events will be posted on Handshake and sent out via email.
Experiential learning opportunities
Are you looking for an internship, summer job, or full-time role after graduation? Check out these programs from some of the School of Forestry’s partners.
NAU’s College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Science Accordion Closed
The College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Science (CEFNS) is proud to host the Public Lands Internship Program, which partners with various land management agencies including the National Park Service (NPS). Internships are posted by region and updated regularly, so keep checking for new opportunities!
The United States Forest Service (USFS) Accordion Closed
Flagstaff is surrounded by National Forest, and the USFS hosts many opportunities in Forestry and Fire Management. In addition to the opportunities listed below, full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles are frequently posted on the USA Jobs website. Check out this resource for tips on applying! About the USFS
Arizona Department of Forest and Fire Management (DFFM) Accordion Closed
Full time and seasonal DFFM positions are posted on the Arizona State Jobs web page. DFFM also hosts internship opportunities, but they vary seasonally. Reach out to LoriAnne Warren with questions. Her email is lwarren@dffm.az.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Accordion Closed
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has several opportunities for students and recent grads. Learn more about BLM here.
And don’t forget to search for positions on the Student Conservation Association Job Board!
US Department of the Interior (DOI) Accordion Closed
All federal positions, including DOI roles, will be posted on the USA Jobs website. For help, additional questions, or to learn more about opportunities in Forestry, Fire, and Natural Resource Management, contact Lauren Orme (lauren.orme@nau.edu).
The American Conservation Experience (ACE) Accordion Closed
ACE has full-time, part-time, and seasonal programs across the United States. Interested in staying in Flagstaff over the summer? ACE is headquartered right here in town, and their conservation crew positions can include housing! Learn more here!
The ACE EPIC program provides a 1-on-1 experience for 3rd year students (and up) to learn field skills while working alongside agency partners. About ACE EPIC
The ACE CREW program offers hands-on field experience working with multiple agencies like the NPS, BLM, USFS, BIA, etc. About ACE Conservation Crew
The Grand Canyon Trust (GCT) Accordion Closed
Headquartered in Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon Trust (GCT) is a conservation advocacy organization. The Rising Leaders Program at GCT works to expand opportunities for the next generation of conservation and social justice advocates. Paid summer internships are posted in January and February. Sign up here for notifications about the application period.
Through internships, place-based learning opportunities, and volunteer projects, emerging environmental advocates are invited to apply to participate in projects that run May – October.
In August, GCT hosts a nine-day field-based conservation advocacy leadership training called LeaderShift. LeaderShift scholars focus on the legacy of energy extraction and its impact on Dine and Hopi communities. Applications open in February. Food is provided!
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Accordion Closed
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has full-time and seasonal positions available year-round on both the local and national level. About TNC
Another great resource is your School of Forestry Faculty. They often have connections to agencies, lab and field work. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
This page was written for the School of Forestry by Lauren Orme, the Recruitment and Retention Manager. Lauren’s position is funded by the US Forest Service with the goal of advancing career opportunities in natural resource management.
Website developer: Regan Delaney, Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a Certificate in Human Dimensions of Forestry, School of Forestry, Class of 2025.