In this episode, we speak with recent Natural Resources graduate, West Lambert, who shares about his next adventure and the steps that led him to this great accomplishment. West also shareshis tips and tricks that he learned through his process of applying to federal positions:
- Unless it is a graduate pathways position, you must have either relevant experience (be a range intern not soil con according to them) OR actually have your degree by the closing date of the job posting (not within two months as I’ve been told in the past).
- Always keep every syllabus for each course you take or some form of paperwork that describes what you did. This becomes especially important for courses that do not have a specific course description online. Ex: internships, field tours, projects, etc.
- Keep a standing record (spreadsheet) of your coursework including what category it falls under and the term/semester conversion.
- Make sure your resume and transcripts are up to date and any relevant jobs/internships match WORD FOR WORD the qualifications they are looking for. Make sure your graduation date is on something. If the course doesn't specifically say "range" (not shrublands, grasslands, wildlands) in the title or in the course description online ATTACH THE SYLLABUS.
- DO NOT GIVE UP. If you feel that you have been wrongly disqualified, ask why! And then ask for a second opinion (for it to be escalated). I have been through 7 HR people! All but the last one told me I wasn't qualified.
Thanks for sharing your advice, West! And congratulations on obtaining the Rangeland Management Specialist position with the Natural Resource Conservation in Pendleton, OR! Best wishes to you in this next chapter!
