forestry vs parks and recreation in the forest service

Chris72941 · July 21, 2009, 12:22:53 AM

I enjoy working recreation in the forest service but what degree would be better. Reason I have to ask because right now I am planning on driving to my forestry classes to attend classes on my off days(i have days off during the week because I mainly work during the weekend). I know what the district ranger has told me but I just wanted to hear opinions on current/retired FS employees. The reason this is an issue because the forestry will involve 3 days with 4 hours of driving time each day and the parks wont nearly be as much of a hassle to pick up. I currently have an associates in information technology however it is not my cup of tea and I enjoyed my time volunteering and its becoming the best move I have made.

What should I do?

Ron Scott · July 21, 2009, 10:59:47 AM

Forestry and Parks and Recreation are two separate degrees. The forestry degree requires some classes in Recreation management, but not to the degree that a Parks and Recreatrion degree does. You will probably go farther in the Forest Service with the forestry degree since the forester is usually a "jack-of-all trades" with more diversity for all resource job applications and not as specialized speciifcally for parks and recreation tasks only.

Chris72941 · July 21, 2009, 03:26:34 PM

How much would it hold someone back? I'm having to weigh my options to determine if 12 hours of fuel + vehicle wear + time(per week) if it would be that much of a benefit over the other. I could quit with the FS and move down to the school

but no way would that happen. I enjoy my job. :D just a little background info I am not under SCEP or STEP and I'm just working this seasonal position til Jan. then I pick back up in May.

Ron Scott · July 21, 2009, 08:21:26 PM

Most of the USFS Recreation specialists have degrees in landscape architecture. You may consider that route if it is offered at the college you wish to attend. You need to decide if you want to be a an individual resource specialist or a forest land and resource manager where the forestry degree provides more diversity and opportunities.

What current advice did your District Ranger give you? The USFS has changed a bit since I retired from it in 1995.

Chris72941 · July 21, 2009, 11:43:37 PM

I was told that the Forestry degree held a higher value than the parks and said along the same lines as you did about foresters being the jack of all trades. Also the forestry program at the college I am enrolled in and attending is supposed to have a top notch program(plus my ranger graduated from there). I am just weighing all my options. 12 hours per week(travel time/gas) for the forestry degree or the local college with parks that will be more flexible and offers several of the courses online. My fear is at this time it works but down the road if conflicts arose. My spring semesters will not be a problem but fall is where things can happen. I am pretty good about working things out but always afraid that that one situation could come around that forces me to choose. Education is the most important in my eyes however the work experience with the Forest Service is very good too.

So basically do I go for the Forestry which does not accommodate me while working for the FS.
Or do I go with the Parks which will accommodate the FS and should not affect anything if it was to come up.

fkarcha · July 22, 2009, 07:51:34 AM

Have you looked beyond the local forestry school? Many universities offer a distance ed version of courses; basic and advanced. Focusing on one school can really narrow your options. You may also want to discuss your situation with an academic advisor at the forestry school in question.

Ron Scott · July 22, 2009, 09:37:27 AM

I'm sure that the USFS would work with you in any scheduling conflicts while you are working on a forestry degree. Also, working for them now as seasonal employee would give you a "foot in the door" for future employment with them.

Also, as stated above, you need to discuss your situation with an accredited forestry school for enrollment planning. You may be able to take week-end classes or classses offered at times to fit your work schedule.

Chris72941 · July 22, 2009, 10:58:56 AM

Quote from: Ron Scott on July 22, 2009, 09:37:27 AM
I'm sure that the USFS would work with you in any scheduling conflicts while you are working on a forestry degree. Also, working for them now as seasonal employee would give you a "foot in the door" for future employment with them.

Also, as stated above, you need to discuss your situation with an accredited forestry school for enrollment planning. You may be able to take week-end classes or classses offered at times to fit your work schedule.

Since weekends are my main workdays it kinda works out great to take classes during the week so thats not the problem so much. Other than getting off on fridays at 12am and starting work at 2pm. cutting it close

. The problem that it may cause is there has been talk of me going to different little training things for the FS next year(cdl, writing tickets, etc) but nothing is set in stone. Stuff like that is what worries me. I know there is plenty of time in the future for that stuff however it would be nice to get it while its being offered if the chance was given to me.

Quote from: fkarcha on July 22, 2009, 07:51:34 AM
Have you looked beyond the local forestry school? Many universities offer a distance ed version of courses; basic and advanced. Focusing on one school can really narrow your options. You may also want to discuss your situation with an academic advisor at the forestry school in question.

Parks would put me on a primarily online classes and would be the more flexible(and closer college) route. I have 2 college in this area that offer Forestry. One offers and associates and the one I'm currently shooting for offers a bachelors. The other college is closer but I would have to pay out of state tuition and its only an associates. I have looked online but I couldn't really find anyone that offered any good forestry programs online.

When I set up all my classes this semester my normal adviser was out of town so my questions/situation fell on def ears. This guy had more of a "get in, get out" approach and not one of someone who would work with someone who is working. The bad thing about this school(compared to the other I just finished up with) is they do not offer enough classes to where you can flex your days around between tues/thurs or mon/wen/fri. Kinda like if you want to stay on any degree plan you need to expect to be there everyday. Hopefully my adviser will be back in the next time I'm in the area and I can talk to him.

I know the FS will work with me because when I took the job I told them what I was wanting to do and they said it would be acceptable to do that.

gemniii · August 31, 2009, 07:56:25 PM

Quote from: Chris72941 on July 22, 2009, 10:58:56 AM

Parks would put me on a primarily online classes and would be the more flexible(and closer college) route. I have 2 college in this area that offer Forestry. One offers and associates and the one I'm currently shooting for offers a bachelors. The other college is closer but I would have to pay out of state tuition and its only an associates. I have looked online but I couldn't really find anyone that offered any good forestry programs online.

If your smart the only thing college is going to teach you is that YOU don't need college. YOU need to be able to figure out how things work and get done. The web has made that so much easier. College taught me how to effectively look things up, now you've got Google.

The college transcript is for employers and resume's right after you get your associates (or bachelors, or masters or Post Hole Digger).

I'd strongly advise you go for the Forestry Bachelors. That being said if you get a chance for your work to get your CDL don't pass that little one up. That will let you drive the bigger rigs and have fun.