Remote work is in high demand these days, as many people try to find work-life balance. I was also in search of this balance, however, a remote job always seemed out of reach for me since I had only worked in hands-on field and laboratory positions. Despite this thought, my desire to work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) opened the door to remote work. 

I had been applying to entry-level GIS positions for over a year with little success when I came across a job post for a remote GIS role from the Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) and MANO Project. I recognized these names since a former supervisor had sent me a similar post a few months prior. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity, so I jumped on the application before it was too late.

I was successful in the interview process and was offered the position. I was ecstatic about the opportunity to work with HAF and the Forest Service (FS) and to finally get the chance to work in GIS full-time. I had reservations about accepting the remote internship, though. I was excited to work from home and develop a new routine, but I was afraid I wouldn’t get the mentorship I needed or be able to truly connect with my colleagues since I wouldn’t be working with anyone in person.

I’m happy to say after two full months in a remote role with the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that my concerns are gone. With weekly debriefs, regional staff calls, and active Teams chats with fellow Resource Assistants (RA), I have felt surrounded by those I work with. I am also very lucky to be working closely with a former RA who is now permanently employed with the FS as the CDT’s Partnership Liaison Specialist. She has been key to my transition into the FS, making me feel included and connecting me to training resources and more!

In the past weeks, our team has been meeting with FS staff and our partner agency, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC), to iron out details for Deferred Maintenance projects that will be implemented over the next few years. Through these calls, I have been introduced to agency staff all along the CDT in different states and regions and have become very familiar with the CDTC. This week we held a series of “CDT Spring Connect” meetings meant for FS staff and partners to share updates on completed work, talk about future projects, and bring up any other information pertaining to the CDT. It was inspiring to see how many people were brought together by the CDT and how meaningful it was for them to make a difference on the trail and in their respective communities.

Another way I’ve connected virtually is through coffee chats over Teams. This week, a coworker and I met with two veteran FS employees who work intimately with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They shared their experience in the agency, provided names for other potential connections, and gave us advice on how to develop our careers with the FS. As an intern looking for permanent employment with the FS, these conversations offer insight on how to have a successful career in the agency and provide mentorship that is key to my development.

So far, this internship has shown me the benefits of building connections and has put me in a position that allows for growth, mentorship, and professional development. I have been presented with opportunities to learn not only about GIS but also how to work collaboratively to plan projects and tackle workflows across multiple teams. Next week, I’ll be attending the National Outdoor Recreation Conference where I’ll be able to network and meet some of my FS colleagues in person. I’m hoping to make lasting connections and tell you all about it in my next blog!