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:

  • A career development program where participants learn new skills, and build professional networks while engaging in civilian service to our public lands and natural resources.
  • A workforce development program where land management agencies have an active role in shaping its future workforce.

VetsWork Internships

All 2026 VetsWork positions have been filled.

Latest Field Notes

Fisheries and Conservation

By Scot Clark, VetsWork Intern serving with CA Department of Fish and Wildlife in Arcata, CA Since my first day...

A Season of Growth and Appreciation: Reflections on Public Land Surveying in the Mark Twain National Forest

By Ryan Robinson, VetsWork Intern serving on Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla, MO As I near the end of my...

Supporting the Recovery of Threatened and Culturally Significant Species in the Columbia River Basin

By Ryan Zamonis, VetsWork Intern serving with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service out of Vancouver, WA. What have you...

Opportunities for Growth

By Valentin Pulido, VetsWork Intern serving with Ottawa National Forest in MI. My name is Valentin Pulido, and I am a...

A Reflection: Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

By Carl Cruz, VetsWork Intern serving with Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership in OR. As a Vetworks Intern with the Mt....

Setting Boundaries and Building Purpose: A Season in the Mark Twain National Forest 

VetsWork Intern Ryan Robinson speaks to his time as an MAI intern working at the U.S. Forest Service.

2025 VetsWork: Ryan Zamonis

I developed a strong connection to the outdoors early in life, spending much of my time fishing, exploring waterways,...

2025 VetsWork: Mitchell Martinez

My name is Mitch Martinez. I was born and raised in Denver Colorado. I’m a big Colorado sports fan. I like to hike and...

2025 VetsWork: Sutton Norris

My Name is Sutton Norris and I grew up running around the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon, and now I currently reside...

2025 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...

2025 VetsWork: Ryan Robinson

I grew up moving around Oregon, starting out on the coast before spending most of my life in the Willamette Valley....

2025 VetsWork: Carl Cruz

Hello, my name is Carl, and I'm from Hillsboro, Oregon. I served in the Air Force for seven years, stationed in South...

2025 VetsWork: Delbert Henson

My name is Delbert Henson. I was originally born in southern California but then moved to a small town called Yreka in...

Deonza Mohamed: GIS Specialist

Deonza speaks to the scope of work she’s accomplished as a GIS Specialist at Tongass Misty Fjord’s Kechikan, Alaska Ranger Station.

My Internship in Moose Pass, Alaska, “I could not have asked for a better opportunity”

VetsWork Intern Joesph Powell speaks to his time as an MAI intern working at the U.S. Forest Service.

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.

Program Partners