VetsWork

VetsWork is a career development internship program for military veterans interested in the natural resources management, public lands, and environment sector. VetsWork participants are placed at local, state, and federal land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, U.S Fish & Wildlife Service, and NOAA where they provide project support while learning about various career paths.

VetsWork Is Many Things

  • A career development program where participants learn new skills and build professional networks.
  • A workforce development program where land management agencies have an active role in shaping its future workforce .
  • A community and national service program (AmeriCorps) that engages veterans in civilian service to our public lands and natural resources.
  • VetsWork participants receive a modest living stipend, an AmeriCorps education award and basic health coverage.
  • Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about VetsWork here.

VetsWork Internships

Our 2025 VetsWork internship positions are posted! — additional positions will be added periodically, so check back for updates!

Positions by State

Alaska

OPEN – Tongass National Forest: Facilities Maintenance Technician (Sitka, AK)

CLOSED – Chugach National Forest: Recreation Technician (Moose Pass, AK)

CLOSED – Tongass National Forest: Forestry Technician (Petersburg, AK)

CLOSED – Tongass National Forest: Maintenance Technician (Yakutat, AK)

Mississippi

CLOSED – Gifford Pincho

FILLED – National Forests of Mississippi –Homochitto National Forest: Recreation Technician (Meadville, MS)

Missouri

CLOSED – Mark Twain National Forest: Surveying Technician (Rolla, MO)

Oregon

OPEN – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries: Assistant Grant Coordinator (Portland, OR)

CLOSED – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries: Salmon Recovery Specialist (Portland, OR)

 

South Dakota

CLOSED –  Badlands National Park: Interpretive Park Guide (Interior, SD)

Washington

OPEN – Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office: Biological Science Technician (Vancouver, WA)

OPEN – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries: Aquaculture Specialist (Lacey, WA or Seattle, WA)

CLOSED – Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office: Field Technician (Vancouver, WA)

CLOSED – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries: Natural Resource Specialist (Ellensburg, WA)

 

How to Apply

Include the Following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
    1. Include one for each position you’re applying to (you can apply to 3 max).
    2. Include your motivation for applying in the letter; and your experience as it related to the position if it is not represented in your resume.
    3. If you are unfamiliar with cover letters, click here to learn more.
  • Copy of your DD 214, member 4 copy with an honorable discharge. (A general under honorable discharge will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Three professional references: Include their name, phone number, email, and relation to you.

Your application will not be considered without all of the required documents.

Email completed applications with documents to our recruitment coordinator, Erica Bingham, at:

erica@mtadamsinstitute.org

Meet Our Interns

Select an intern to view their bio and learn more about them!

Latest Field Notes

An Otherworldly Interview with a Pacific Lamprey

In this unique Field Notes entry, Heriverto “Eddy” Colado stages an unforgettable “interview” with a lamprey about his encounter with a human researcher in the field, blending storytelling and research in a way only he can and giving a voice to one of the Columbia River’s most ancient inhabitants. Paired with a dramatic video set to Hans Zimmer’s “Cornfield Chase,” Eddy’s work is sure to captivate your curiosity and expand your perspective on these incredible creatures.

Read More

Behind the Scenes: How a Mt. Adams Institute Intern Helped Select the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

When AmeriCorps VetsWork intern Emily Kosterman signed on to serve with the U.S. Forest Service, she never imagined she’d play a role in selecting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. 

Read More

Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration

Meet Taryn Oseen, a VetsWork intern with NOAA’s Restoration Center who embodies the mission of creating connections—between people, nature, and professional growth. As a Navy veteran pursuing a career in environmental science, Taryn joined the program to gain real-world experience and close the gap between academic training and career readiness.

Read More

2024 VetsWork: Valentin Pulido

I grew up in South Florida where I took to marketing and media production at a very young age. I workedas an Aviation...
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2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal

I grew up in Salem, Oregon, with my brother, mother, and stepfather. I lived in Salem until I joined the U.S. Navy,...
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2024 VetsWork: Deonza Mohamed

My name is Deonza Mohamed. I was born and raised in California. I am a U.S. Navy Veteran with 16 years of military...
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2024 VetsWork: Sean West

Hello, my name is Sean West. My mother instilled an appreciation for the outdoors and our public lands when I was...
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2024 VetsWork: Logan Walker

Hi! My name is Logan Walker. I split my youth between the fields of South Georgia and the Appalachian Mountains. I was...
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2024 VetsWork: Darrell Miller

Greeting and salutations, my name is Darrell. I was born in Lawton, OK and spent most my life moving state from state....
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2024 VetsWork: Colton Long

My name is Colton. I grew up in Northern Michigan, so an internship with one of the various locations of the Forest...
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2024 VetsWork: Carlos Galeano

My name is Carlos Galeano. I am originally from Brooklyn, NY, but I was raised in the vibrant outdoors of Tampa,...
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2024 VetsWork: Sara-Jo Fegley

My name is Sara-Jo. As a prideful AmeriCorps NCCC class XV alumni, I have direct national community service experience...
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2024 VetsWork: Kathryn Brainerd

My name is Kathryn. I grew up in Corcoran, MN with my older brother and twin sister. I was very involved in sports...
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2024 VetsWork: Emily Klosterman

I grew up surrounded by the breathtaking natural landscapes of Southeast Alaska, where my love for the outdoors was...
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2024 VetsWork: C.M.

My most recent career was being active duty Navy, stationed onboard NTAG Jacksonville, Administration. I joined the...
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Partners & Sponsors

As a partner of the program, your organization directly benefits from the support of a VetsWork intern on projects that you determine, such as volunteer coordination, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, special uses/permitting/surveying, education, and any other aspect of public lands / natural resources management. Additionally, you have the opportunity to train a potential new member of your workforce.

Partners are required to provide a cash match, have time to supervise/mentor the intern and be available for specific program-related training. It might sound like a lot, but our past partners would tell you that it’s worth it.

If you and/or your organization are interested in sponsoring a VetsWork intern, please contact us via the button below.

Contact Us

Current Program Partners

Deschutes National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Chugach National Forest

Umatilla National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest

Tongass National Forest

Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery

Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Badlands National Park

Grey Towers National Historic Site

Ottawa National Forest

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Six Rivers National Forest

Olympic National Forest

Pisgah National Forest