Electrical engineering .. . 
The broad field of electronics provides most of the opportunities for an electrical 
engineer in the Forest Service. Two-way land mobile radio systems are em- 
ployed extensively in Forest Service work. There is also a considerable 
mileage of Service-owned telephone lines. Responsibility for design of these 
systems, as well as direction of their procurement, installation, and mainte- 
nance, falls to the electrical or electronic engineer. Development of the 
facilities necessary for interconnection with commercial telephone exchanges, 
design of special electronic aids for the aerial firefighting program and for 
improving fire detection, telemetering devices and systems for recording 
weather data, and similar items for the general use of the research worker 
are examples of the numerous opportunities for interesting individual work. 
The Forest Service electrical engineer also serves as technical advisor to 
engineers and administrators of other disciplines in preparing and in reviewing 
plans and specifications for Forest Service construction projects. He has the 
same responsibilities in reviewing plans for the numerous authorized projects 
of private users of National Forest land, such as the transmission lines of power 
companies, private power plants, ski lifts, and other large recreation develop- 
ments. Recent graduates are assigned to training positions in preparation 
for assuming these responsibilities as they become qualified by experience. 
Engineers in research... 
Research is a most important Forest Service activity and Forest Service engi- 
neers have major responsibilities in this field. Along with other scientists 
they make essential contributions to many varieties of research projects 
related to both the management of forests and the utilization of forest products. 
In the more general field there is research in connection with transportation 
methods and systems as well as other engineering aspects of field activities on 
forest lands. 
The internationally famous Forest Products Laboratory at Madison, Wis., 
has an outstanding record of accomplishment. Here engineers take part in 
research related to wood engineering, solid wood products, wood fibers, and 
wood chemistry. Other engineers are employed in forest fire research labo- 
ratories at Missoula, Mont.; Macon, Ga.; and Riverside, Calif. These are 
concerned with fire behavior, detection, and control problems. 
The Forest Service engineering research laboratories, which deal largely 
with the mechanization of field operations, are located at Auburn, Ala.; 
Bozeman, Mont.; Houghton, Mich.; Seattle, Wash.; and Morgantown, W. Va. 
They work on the development of improved equipment, systems, and methods, 
and similar problems of an engineering nature having practical applications 
in improving procedure and practice on the National Forests. 
With few exceptions the laboratories are located in or near a college or 
university which cooperates with the Forest Service in research programs. 
Close academic associations are encouraged, and there are opportunities for 
advanced studies and degrees concurrently with employment on research 
projects. 
