Student Jobs

The Forest Products Laboratory is a national research laboratory operating under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The Lab is responsible for scientific research on wood and developing innovative wood products. The Forest Products Laboratory collaborates in partnership with academia, private companies, industry, and governmental agencies. As a world-class wood utilization research laboratory and wood research institute, the Forest Products Laboratory has been contributing to and developing innovative ways to utilize the nation’s forest resources since 1910.

The Forest Products Laboratory Library is the only federally funded research library with subject specialties in wood products and wood utilization. Our collection has been built over the course of more than 100 years and reflects both historic and current research emphasis areas.

The Forest Products Laboratory Library is one of three branches in the National Forest Service Library system. The other two branches are located at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, CO and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry in San Juan, PR. The National Forest Service Library is a designated field office of the USDA National Agricultural Library.

Schedule is flexible and can be adjusted as needed to meet class or school schedules.  Work hours can be part-time or full-time (no weekend work).  Work must occur during business hours at a time between 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.  Position is a temporary position but could be extended if approved.

Position is located adjacent to UW Campus on Busline.  The position assists the National Forest Service Library and also works with Visitor Information Services.  Library Experience is not required.  This is a federal position.

• Assists in developing specific objectives for interpretive programs and displays.
• Maintains inventory of existing publications for public use. Prepares or assists in the preparation of informational exhibits which include photos, maps, etc. 
• Ensures that the information desk at a reception area or visitor center is covered at all times and answers the phone and radio.
• Greets visitors and responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions.
• Assists visitors and callers with informational searches, and with use of the reference library.
• Performs regular daily activities for the reception area  and maintaining the front desk.
• Coordinates with staff specialists and public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public.
• Researches and maintains an inventory of timely publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public. Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events and other items of importance.
• Works with the public affairs unit to ensure that current and accurate information is available on the external Forest Service website.
• Responds to and directs web and email inquiries to the appropriate personnel. 
• Arranges informational interpretive displays in the reception area or visitor center. Varies or changes the displays to coincide with seasonal changes and unit program emphases.
• Handles clerical duties, such as mail and package delivery, personnel updates to phone lists and sign-out board.

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school; OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.

Examples of specialized experience include: Greeting visitors, responding to visitor inquiries, and accounting for collected monies using computer programs and records. Planning and presenting interpretive talks and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups. Performing clerical duties, including mail and package delivery, assisting with scheduling for conference rooms, and operating audio/visual equipment

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Must apply through USA Jobs at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886146200#joa-summary

Choose the Madison, WI location.

Application must be submitted by 11:00 pm CT on 10/05/2026.