Employment Opportunities

The Kansas Forest Service is always looking for energetic, enthusiastic, career-minded individuals who desire to work in an exciting and dynamic industry. Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

We have several full-time employment opportunities coming up in 2024! Positions range from forestry, to mapping, volunteer coordination, and new positions within our fire program! To receive notifications for new job opportunities, please fill out our employment interest survey.

Student Workers

We often employ student workers for positions as Office Assistants, GIS Technicians or Conservation Tree Program Assistants. Please review the below matierals for additional information.

Conservation Tree Assistant Job Description
- For the Conservation Tree or Office Assistant positions, please fill out our application here.
Student Office Assistant Job Description
- For the Student Office Assistant position, please fill out our application here.

Agricultural Technician II

About This Role

Kansas Forest Service is currently hiring two full-time Agricultural Technician II positions to be part of our Tech Team. The Tech Team will implement forestry-related tasks throughout the state of Kansas and will work under the direct supervision of the Tech Team Lead. Additional assistance and oversight will be provided by KFS field staff (district forester, district fire management officers, and the forest health coordinator) to collect urban tree inventories, identify and monitor forest health threats, remove invasive species, measure and mark timber stands enrolled in conservation programs, wildland fire management, wildlife habitat improvement, collect viable seed, and assist with KFS grounds and Arboretum maintenance tasks. The Tech Team will work a schedule of Monday-Thursday, 7:30am - 6:30pm each week.

This is a great opportunity to explore the many programs and services offered by the Kansas Forest Service and work across the state of Kansas.

About Us

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887 and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 42 full-time employees, and 50+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization.

KFS works with a diverse group of partners at local, state, and federal levels to help serve the State of Kansas in pursuit of our mission: "Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management". We pride ourselves on the multi-faceted services we provide the many stakeholders of Kansas. KFS contributes an estimated combined economic impact of $34 million annually.

Worksite Option

This role is expected to be performed on-site. Each work week will begin and end at the Kansas Forest State Office in Manhattan, KS. The work itself will take place within the forestry and fire program districts across Kansas with regularly scheduled travel (transportation and lodging provided by KFS).

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of relevant experience
GED or High School Diploma (Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by a hiring manager. Educational equivalency means that education and experience may be combined to fulfill the minimum qualifications. For details on how to combine these, and to see a matrix that illustrates this process, please refer to our guidelines.)

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource discipline
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Experience using and maintaining tools and equipment (chainsaws, drip torches, pole saws, pruners, backpack sprayers, and ladders)
Experience following safety protocols and maintaining accurate records of work performed

Other Requirements:

Driver's License upon employment
Perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions
Obtain red card within first year of employment

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter
Professional references

Apply Here

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 4, 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$17.50 - 19.00/hr

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.