I want to photograph interesting people I meet in my RV travels. Having a nomadic life gives me a unique opportunity to meet interesting people.

We’re volunteering for the USFS at the Tonto National Forest this winter season. We enjoy our time here and getting to know the staff. One thing that struck me was that they had several females working. I asked the women if they would allow me to photograph them and answer a few questions. Fortunately, Cassidy and Vianney agreed. We met up one Sunday morning.

1) Why did you choose to work for the USFS?

Vianney’s Answer:

I chose to work for the Forest Service because of my love for nature and to continue on the legacy of having recreational sites for families to enjoy, as mine has. I grew up here in Arizona and would travel somewhere outdoors and away from the city every Sunday. Those were some of the best memories I had as a child.

Cassidy’s Answer:

Working for the USFS opens my path toward a career in the field of sustainable ecosystems and responsible urban development.

*Cassidy and Vianney work hard and get to enjoy the beautiful Sonoran Desert.*

2) Did something from your childhood lead you to work for the USFS?

Vianney’s Answer:

Back in college, I felt burnt out and lost on where I wanted my degree to take me, so I had a friend recommend the Arizona Conservation Corps, a non-profit that I did four seasons at the Grand Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, and Cave Creek. I also joined the Army National Guard, which has allowed me a position here at the Tonto National Forest because it is very veteran-friendly.

Cassidy’s Answer:

I was raised in a very outdoor-oriented family, always camping, kayaking, and hiking. My parents instilled in me at a young age that I should be conscious of my impact on the world that sustained my life and provided me with so much joy. Working with the USFS allows me to fulfill my ecological responsibility, and a huge plus is that I feel like I'm playing outdoors on the job!

*I used my Lensbaby Edge 60 mm to make the background swirl and my friends stand out uniquely.*

*Cassidy is from Michigan too! It’s always a precious treat to meet another Michigander.*

3) What’s your favorite thing about working for the USFS?

Vianney’s Answer:

My favorite thing about working for the USFS is all the fantastic projects I have participated in. I have been on a four-day river rafting trip down the Horseshoe Dam to trim branches in the way of the river with a chainsaw, a prescribed burn in Globe, Arizona, with the Mesa wildland firefighters, and the steps we created for recreation users to climb up and down at Box Bar.

Cassidy’s Answer:

Working outside in such a mesmerizing landscape and seeing our direct positive impact on our recreation sites.

4) You work in a typically male-dominated field; what would someone be surprised to learn about working for the USFS? Are there more females than one might expect?

Vianney’s Answer:

Working in a male-dominated field is pretty satisfying. I've learned so many handy skills, like operating heavy machinery, the names of specific hardware and feel like they've taken me under their wing to teach me beneficial blue-collar skills. We complement each other when it comes to completing a challenging project, and I feel incredibly accomplished when we finish.

Cassidy’s Answer:

To my surprise, I have found my district to be such an empowering team in this sense. In my experience, there are more females than I expected. There is a way to close the gender gap in STEM and blue-collar work, but I think we're seeing more and more women finding themselves passionate about this type of work and more than capable of success.

5) What type of skills do you need to have to work for the USFS? Do you need a degree?

Vianney’s Answer:

To work here at the USFS, the skills one must possess are to acclimate to the harsh weather conditions, be comfortable being uncomfortable when learning a new skill, and be a good team player in a diverse environment. You certainly do not need a degree for this line of work, but I would recommend it. They will teach you on the job, but having a leg up when applying with a degree and any experience that applies to this field would help with the hiring process.

Cassidy’s Answer:

It would be best if you had a willingness to learn, a knack for working with your hands, and a teamwork mindset. As I have, a related degree, such as a degree in sustainable ecosystems, helps advance to higher employment levels. A degree is not required for many job opportunities within the USFS, though!