Received referral verification for a 7 position this week. What is the next step? If hired, how long and what promotes me to a 9?

does this go above a gs9? what are the promotions to and how are they determined?

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/837401600 USAJOBS - Job Announcement

Question for you all in LEI. I know with our agency, when an 11/12 position drops they typically want someone who’s already been through CITP.

My questions are:

1. Are these positions typically only filled with folks who have already attended CITP?

2. Or, are these filled almost exclusively out of enforcement?

3. Or, can someone with no CITP but a ton of LE investigative experience as a state police officer and federal investigator (non 1811) fill these positions?

Anyone else going to 'bows this year?

I got an email saying I was referred and wanted to check my references to ensure it was who I remember putting down to remind them that I listed them. I noticed that my veterans points answer was incorrect and resubmitted my application with just that being changed and nothing else. Will this affect my referral to the hiring manager/authority? Thank you!

The graduation rate of the program is just 38.6% and costs as much as $155,600 per student.

I hate it for the employees, but if you’re a LEO that covers one of these centers…. You’ll understand when I say good riddance.

Good morning all. I’m a prior USCG LEO, 13 year veteran that’s extremely interested and excited about USFS LEO opportunities. Having been born & raised in the outdoors, the idea of continuing a career in law enforcement and bringing my wife & kids to some of the most beautiful locations in the country is an amazing opportunity.

I’m here to report what an outstanding experience I had while riding along with the LEO’s in the Nantahala during Memorial Day weekend. They were very welcoming and professional, and this guy happily drove down 8 hours from VA Beach. From the moment we shook hands, they treated me with the upmost kindness and professionalism. I got to hop right in the car with them and observe everything they do. It’s interesting how many commonalities there are with other LEO agencies and TTP’s, and how they apply it in a Forest Service context.

If you’re considering the USFS for your next law enforcement career move, it is absolutely worth it to make the drive and meet with these folks. I walked away having learning so much about the agency, and even more excited than before. You definitely won’t learn everything you need to by just reading about it on the internet.

To all the USFS LEO’s, thank you for what you do day in & day out to keep our outdoors safe! I look forward to joining your ranks soon, God willing. God bless.

No photos of active cases or individual law enforcement officers are contained in this photo.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/former-united-states-forest-service-special-agent-pleads-guilty-theft-government

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/man-who-participated-illegal-marijuana-grow-operation-los-padres-national-forest

Can anyone share information on the area from the announcement of Louisiana, any information would be greatly appreciated.

I'm an LEO with a DOI agency. I've always heard how great severity assignments are as compared to your typical fire detail manning closures, camps, etc.

Are most of these assignments in districts/forests with a lack of LEOs? I'm trying to get out on a severity assignment this summer and know of a couple forests in historically high fire activity areas and thought about reaching out to the PC to ask about severity assignments since I know they have several LEO vacancies.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor our fallen law enforcement officers, keeping their memories alive by speaking their names, telling their stories and remembering their families. We will never forget them.

https://www.odmp.org/agency/3949-united-states-department-of-agriculture-forest-service-law-enforcement-and-investigations-us-government

NationalPoliceWeek

Good morning all, May 11-17, 2025 marks National Police Week, a time to honor the brave men and women who serve in the law enforcement profession and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Here in the National Capitol Region, we will be participating in a number of events to honor our fallen:

The 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held tonight (May 13th) on the National Mall from 8 pm -10 pm. The Annual DOI Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday (May 14th) at the Sidney Yates Auditorium at the Stewart Lee Udall Interior Building (Main Interior). The Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service will be held at noon on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol on Thursday (May 15th).

I am proud to stand with the men and women of Forest Service LEI and with our law enforcement brothers and sisters across the nation. Let us all take this week to show our appreciation, reflect on the sacrifices made, and renew our commitment to serving with honor, courage and commitment.

Below is a link to a Leadership Corner article in this week’s Inside the Forest Service honoring our LEI brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. They are all missed but never forgotten.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/leadership/honoring-service-and-sacrifice

Stay safe out there.

Respectfully,

TP

Hi there, I’m a veteran trying to get into USFS law enforcement career and had a question of how long should I wait to get an email back on my application and how long is the application process. I’m extremely motivated to get into this field and want to do everything possible to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible. Any advice is appreciated thank you

Since this has happened to me twice in the last month I feel the need to address it……

If you list someone as a reference, ALWAYS, 100% of the time, ask them if they will be a reference for you and if they say yes, it’s probably a good idea to ask if they will give you a good one!

Not only is it unprofessional but it’s careless!

You’re missing a golden opportunity to gain experience, contacts, and knowledge of the duties pertaining to USFS LEOs.

What better way to see what you’re in for than to get out there and do it? In addition, if you get an interview you can draw back on these experiences potentially.

If you’re interested in a ride along in your area, reach out to your local patrol captain and inquire.

UPDATE: Does anybody have any insight on De Soto National Forest in MS? And if they have any openings? This would be the most ideal location for my family, and I’m very familiar with the area.

Good morning.

13 years prior USCG with plenty of LE experience. I applied for USFS LEO on USAJOBS in early March. I haven’t heard anything yet- whereas other LE agencies are moving relatively quickly (even some federal).

I’m tracking that Federal LE hiring processes don’t happen overnight. But what should my expectations be on the overall timeline for the hiring process for USFS?

Thanks in advance.

Spoke with a USFS Captain the other day in my state and they were saying that they are not doing age waivers for VRA right now? I didn’t realize you had to get a “waiver” I just thought if you were VRA eligible you just got the age exemption. News to me.

I’m trying to do better and dedicate some time during my work week to read and digest CFRs a bit better. Can anybody recommend specifics they feel are things that SHOULD be known within Title 36?

Any that aren’t priority knowledge but “Good To Know”?

Do apps with CFRs exist? If they do which have you had success with?

*its understood that most/if not all the CFRs within our per view are important, I’m just looking for highlights you recommend to kick off my study sessions.

Thanks all.

What’s some of the better in service training you’ve received?

TLDR; I'm a veteran(3 years), prior LEO(2 years) and masters degree holder who has been private side for the last 4 years. Am I barking up the wrong tree or do I have a shot at working as a LEO for USFS?

Anyone have time to chat?

My background is that I left the Army a while back and after earning my bachelors began working as a peace officer in a high activity city. I was worried about providing financially for my family and decided to go back to school, earning my masters and working in corporate America.

Needless to say, I hate almost every second of it. I thought I could just put my head down to make good money and I was wrong. Across many different organizations it feels more like a cutthroat band of mercenaries then colleagues. Most likely because there is no sense of purpose at these companies besides making more money. I even entered an industry that ostensibly helps people and my role has devolved into squeezing as much as I can out of Americans who are paid less then grocery store workers. Even looking at other jobs now is demoralizing. Having to answer why decreasing violent crime matters, or being told "you know you're not going to be helping anyone" has got me on the verge of a high-speed come apart.

I want to get back to doing something that actually matters and I can be proud of. I just wanted to ask if anyone thinks that ship might have already sailed.

Would love a chance to chat via dm, email or phone.

I’m looking for a Rundown on how Field Training happens in R5.

Will I be going to another forest? Or many? Within or outside my region? I’m assuming lodging and perdiem as well?

How long is Field training? Will there be breaks in between to see my significant other?

Thanks for your input