In the midst of hiring challenges felt by employers across the nation, the Forest Service is offering a series of internships on the Allegheny National Forest.

A total of 10 student interns will be brought on this summer in various roles on the Forest.

“We’re having trouble filling positions just like anyone else,” Bradford District Ranger Rich Hatfield said.

Hatfield said the effort is geared toward college students and will offer – without guarantee – the “opportunity to get permanently converted” to full-time after graduation.

A total of 10 student interns are expected to be hired for the summer, according to a statement from Public Affairs Director Christopher Leeser.

That includes an engineering intern at the ANF HQ in North Warren; five for the Bradford Ranger District – two in archaeology and timber and one in biological science and, for the Marienville District, an administration and office support intern and one each in timber, recreation and biological science.

Applications will be accepted from Jan. 5 through Jan. 27 at usajobs.gov.

The statement from the ANF cautions applicants to “review the job announcement carefully for deadlines and required information to include in your application.”

“Some local people would be great,” Hatfield said, noting that there are individuals from the area who have spent their career working on the ANF.

He noted that there is a chance for high school interns to be added to the program in future years.