We are surveying soils, all trees from saplings and larger, all dead wood, herbs, bugs, and birds. I am glad to be out in the field all day because it's fun. So, on that note I should head out and see what the day will be like today. As for a job, all I can tell you is that in my experience many foresters fresh out of school get their first practical field experience working with state forestry agencies. There are 50 states to try if you don't mind moving and its a good way to help determine exactly what you want to go in to or to find other job opportunities.
Some people like it so much they spend their entire career with a state agency.
However, that may not be for you since you indicate more interest in research than in applied forestry. I sometimes feel that I have not had enough experience with it. I have learned a lot about management and the like, but I am a little nervous about what an employer will expect of me. I worked for several years as an assistant District Forester for a state agency. I was the primary training officer for all new foresters hired for us by the state office.