IRONWOOD – The Ottawa and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests are hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and are encouraging local residents to apply. Interested applicants must apply through usajobs.gov. Job announcements and descriptions will be available beginning Friday.



“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations–keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” said Ottawa forest supervisor, Lenore Lamb. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.”


Both national forests are recruiting for a variety of roles, including:

• Recreation and visitor services

• Trail and campground maintenance

• Timber sale preparation

• Tree nursery work

• Invasive plant control

The Ottawa National Forest is recruiting for the following positions:

• One forestry position in Ironwood

• One forestry and two recreation positions in Kenton

• One forestry position in Ontonagon

• One forestry position at the JW Toumey Nursery in Watersmeet

• One forestry and four recreation positions in Watersmeet

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is recruiting for the following positions:

• One recreation position at the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, WI

• One forestry and two recreation positions in Eagle River, WI

• One recreation and one forestry position in Florence, WI

• One forestry position in Glidden, WI

• One recreation position in Hayward, WI

• One forestry and three recreation positions in Lakewood, WI

• Two recreation positions in Laona, WI

• One recreation and one forestry position in Medford, WI

• One forestry and two recreation positions in Park Falls, WI

• One recreation position in Washburn, WI

These positions are in addition to seasonal fire hire events, already underway. Bringing on seasonal employees will help improve trails, campgrounds and facilities for safer, reliable and enjoyable recreation experiences for all.



“Seasonal jobs can be a first step into a natural resources career, a way to build experience, or simply a chance to spend the summer working outside,” added Lamb. “We encourage anyone interested to apply.”



How to apply


Applicants can view open job announcements and submit applications through USAJOBS.gov beginning Friday. 

Application periods, qualifications and start dates vary by position. Applicants are encouraged to review job announcements carefully for deadlines and required materials.



Additional information about seasonal hiring and upcoming local recruitment events is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/ottawa/working-with-us, https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet/working-with-us .