How to Apply for a Job With the Tennessee Forest Service
- 1). Prepare yourself to compete with other job candidates who are as passionate as you are about getting into the Tennessee Forestry Service. Undertake as many high school classes in biology, earth science, chemistry, math, physical education and botany as possible to ground you in all aspects of forestry science. Become familiar with Tennessee's vast resource of forests and parks.
- 2). Complete an associate's degree--ideally, a bachelor's degree--in a forestry-related discipline from a university offering majors in the theory and practice of land management and resources. Study wildlife habitats, write ecological research papers and take specialty classes in niche studies like timber stand management, forest products utilization, forestry operations and restoration. Position yourself to stand out among other candidates by applying for an internship with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
- 3). Contact the Society of American Foresters (SAF) to see if you qualify for classes, membership and other benefits--even before you land a job -- as this action reinforces your commitment to the Tennessee agency. Obtain your forestry certification and become licensed. Having these credentials shows that you're serious about making a career in the forestry industry and positions you at the top of the heap when jobs open up within the Tennessee Forest Service.
- 4). Bookmark the website of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as far in advance of the completion of your education and training as possible. Maintain a pulse on the agency's hiring trends as there's no guarantee that there will be openings in the specific area of forestry service you seek. For this reason, you may wish to get your foot in the door by exploring other jobs with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture or Tennessee parks and recreation until the right one opens up.
- 5). Monitor job openings posted on the state's human resources website to stay abreast of openings or undertake a customized job search. Submit an application for future openings. Take the career service employment test. Consider a more direct approach if you have no luck. It can't hurt to go directly to folks in the Tennessee Forestry Division, if only to get your credentials into a file for future employment. Use the division directory to identify them (see Resources) so you can mail a cover letter and resume to each.
