Resource Assistants Program
Participants
The U.S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (RAP) is a rigorous and immersive, paid experience for individuals who are interested in conservation, natural and cultural resources, environmental management, research and development, or other career opportunities with land management agencies (16 U.S. Code Chapter 37, Subchapter II).
The program emphasizes the engagement of current students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations in natural and cultural resources work.
The RAP facilitates work and learning experiences for participants, under the mentoring and coaching of Forest Service staff, while contributing to mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Although there is no limit on the total number of hours RAs can work or the time period in which they can serve, RAs may not work more than 3,500 hours over a given 2-year period. After completing a minimum of 960 hours of satisfactory work as a Resource Assistant (RA) and obtaining a post-secondary degree (associate degree or higher), RAs may become eligible for the RAP direct hire and noncompetitive hiring authorities.
The hiring eligibility is effective 2-years from the date listed on the certificate. Former RAs may use the hiring certificate to apply to permanent positions and may be considered for conversion into permanent, wage grade, temporary and seasonal positions.
Program Objectives
Attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce
Accomplish mission-critical work and high priority projects
Promote career exploration and professional development for recent graduates and underrepresented populations
Facilitate Forest Service coaching and mentoring of emerging professionals
Benefits for Participants
RAs receive financial support, professional development,
and access to Federal career pathways.
Financial support:
- A minimum weekly stipend of $500 (full-time) or $350 (part-time)
- A minimum travel and training allowance of $2,750 for approved, work-related professional development
- A housing allowance of $1,000/month and $50/month commuting allowance
- Optional health care benefit provided by the RAP partner at no cost to the RA
- Paid Federal holidays and 40 hours of leave during 6 months of service
Professional development:
- Practical on-the-job experience via work assignments comparable to positions at a minimum GS-04 grade level or higher
- Work-related training opportunities
- Coaching and mentoring by Forest Service staff and networks
Career pathway:
- Networking access to career opportunities with Forest Service units
- Orientation to Forest Service leadership values, approach, and philosophy
- Direct Hire and Noncompetitive Hiring eligibility for 2 years upon successful program completion
Roles and Responsibilities
The RAP partner
- Conducts outreach and recruits a diverse pool of highly-qualified applicants for selection by Forest Service staff
- Provides ongoing program and administrative support, such as paying stipends, coordinating travel and training logistics, managing resource assistant’s records and agreement requirements, and tracking resource assistant’s progress
- Is required to contribute a minimum of 25 percent of the cost of the partnership
- Submits quarterly tracking and performance reports
The Forest Service Mentor
- Selects the candidate
- Directs work assigned to the resource assistant
- Provides mentorship and coaching to maximize resource assistant’s experience
- Supports and enhances resource assistant’s development and access to Forest Service networks
- Confirms resource assistant’s successful completion of program requirements to receive hiring eligibility certificate
The Resource Assistant
- Performs work that contributes to mission accomplishment and agency priorities
- Adheres to agency and office policies, procedures, and rules
- Develops and manages engagement and tracks training and mentoring sessions as part of individual learning workplan and for partner record keeping
- Takes advantage of learning and developing opportunities
- Develops professional goals and applies critical feedback to improve performance
- Completes educational requirements and obtains transcripts before requesting Certificate of Hiring Eligibility
- May acquire eligibility to be converted to a permanent Forest Service position or apply to merit positions through USAJobs
How To Apply
Resource Assistant Program opportunities are advertised through our partners’ job boards.
Click on the logos below to see current openings with our national partners.
Success Stories
Victor Aguirre-Orozco completed his Resource Assistant fellowship a year ago in the Pacific Southwest Regional offices. He was then hired as a NEPA Planner Dixie National Forest in Southern Utah. Victor work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that proposed projects meet environmental compliance and adhere to the Dixie National Forest Land and Resource Management plan.
Boonie Champa was a Resource Assistant in region 8. She was the first RA to be hired utilizing the new Direct Hiring Authority authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. Boonie was sworn in by the Chief.
Olivia Ubanski is a former Resource Assistant in the Washington Office. During her term as an RA she served as a Youth Conservation Corps Liaison and worked on various projects in the Resource Assistant Program. Olivia now works in the Department of State.
