Come Join Us!

Pacific Northwest Research Station

USDA Forest Service

United States

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest 

Service

Pacific Northwest

Research Station

PNW-SM-005

April 2002
ALASKA

WASHINGTON

OREGON

Fairbanks

Anchorage

Juneau

Sitka

Seattle Wenatchee

Olympia

Portland La Grande

Corvallis

❂ Headquarters

● Lab

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Come Join Us!

DO YOU WANT TO HELP SOLVE NATURAL RESOURCE PROBLEMS

THAT AFFECT PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT? 

WANT A CHALLENGING CAREER THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE? 

CONSIDER A CAREER IN RESEARCH WITH THE

PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESEARCH STATION.

Who Are We?

We are a research organization highly sought for scientific leadership and

impartial knowledge.

Our mission is to generate and communicate scientific knowledge that 

helps people understand and make informed choices about people, natural

resources, and the environment.

Pacific Northwest Research Station facts:

• Part of the largest and most productive forestry research organization 

in the world.

• 10 laboratories located in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.

• 10 active experimental forests and 20 research natural areas.

• PNW is 1 of 6 research stations in the USDA Forest Service.

• Headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

• Established in 1925.

Laboratory and

Research Locations

Joining the team at the PNW

Research Station can put you to 

work in an exciting and fulfilling

career at one of the locations 

shown on the map.
Research That Delivers

We offer science information that can help resource

managers make choices about how people use natural

resources. 

Station scientists contributed information to help in our 

current understanding of old-growth forests. 

Stream research by the Station aids salmon restoration 

programs in the Pacific Northwest.

Research from PNW Research Station provided landmark

information about the survival and reproductive rates of

spotted owls in old growth forests.

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What Kind of Research Do We Do?

Scientists at the PNW Research Station conduct research in many areas including:

• Forest management practices that minimize risks from disease, fire, and insect attack.

• Ecology of forests including riparian and aquatic areas.

• Recreation and tourism options for diverse populations.

• Global climate change and forest ecosystems.

• Inventories and analysis of forest resources and use.

• Wildlife populations and their habitats.

• Forest management and wood products.

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A Career in Research

A career in Forest Service research is challenging, creative, and satisfying. Scientists work

together toward common goals, share ideas, and build upon each other’s energy and 

commitment. Station scientists also participate in cooperative research with universities.

Our laboratories are often based on or near campuses of major universities allowing our 

scientists to work in an academic environment. Some laboratories are located in small rural 

communities.

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Research Occupations

There are many jobs in research.

A few are listed below.

• Entomologist

• Mathematician

• Ecologist

• Botanist

• Plant pathologist

• Physiologist

• Geneticist

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Support and Technical Occupations

Besides scientists and technicians, the

PNW Research Station also employs 

people who help to produce research

publications and deliver results to the

public.

• Technical Editor

• Public Affairs Officer

• Graphic Designer

• Web Designer

• Secretary

• Budget Analyst

• Economist

• Forester

• Wildlife biologist

• Sociologist

• Chemist

• Meteorologist

• Engineer
Special Programs for Students

The Forest Service participates in two programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) allows you to receive valuable exposure and work

experience in your field by alternating periods of study with on-the-job experience. When you

graduate and after successful completion of the SCEP, you can be hired directly into a permanent, full-time position.

Postdoctoral Research Associate Program provides an opportunity for recent graduates from doctoral degree programs to conduct basic research and receive advanced training while working with

our professional staff. This program is designed to bring new talent and ideas to our research

programs. These programs last up to 2 years and provide retirement, health, and life insurance

benefits.

Forest Service Culture

• Training. Many educational

and training opportunities

are available for developing

skills to enhance career

growth and promotion 

potential. Each employee 

has an individual development plan tailored to match

his or her goals with those 

of the organization.

• Progressive management philosophy. The agency gives employees the skill and knowledge

to do a job and then trusts them to do it.

• Recognition. An awards program is in place to recognize employees with a cash or 

honorary award for special acts and services or superior work performance.

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Benefits of Working for the Forest Service

The agency offers you the following benefits:

• Child care. Many Forest Service locations offer child care facilities.

• Flexible work schedules. The Forest Service is sensitive to the competing demands faced by

people today and that is why most locations offer flexible work schedules. These schedules

include a “core time” period that must be covered.

• Health and life insurance. The employee and the Forest Service share costs.

• Retirement plan. The retirement plan is made up of three components: a federal

retirement fund, Social Security, and a tax-deferred savings plan. Both the employee 

and Forest Service contribute financially.

• Paid vacation and personal leave. For the first 3 years, 13 days per year; after 3 years, 

20 days per year; and after 15 years, 26 days per year. 

• Sick leave. Employees receive 13 days of sick leave per year. 

• Holidays. Ten paid holidays per year. Supervisors also will approve revised work 

schedules for employees to participate in religious observances.

• Employee counseling program. The Forest Service offers confidential, expert assistance to

deal with problems such as financial difficulties, drug or alcohol abuse, and family discord.

• Paid moving allowances. New employees pay their own expenses to relocate for their first

Forest Service job. The Forest Service pays for subsequent moves.

• Promotion policy. The Forest Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all

applicants for any job for which they qualify, without regard to race, religion, sex, age, or

any other nonmerit factor.

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Interested?

To learn more about the Station and its programs browse PNW Research Station on the Web at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw

For more information about a career with the Station contact:

Human Resources Service Center

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station

10600 NE 51st Circle

Vancouver, WA 98682

Phone: (360) 891-5230

Federal Web site: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,

gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is

an equal opportunity provider and employer. April 2002

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