Career Development of Range Conservationists in Their First Three Years with the Forest Service

Abstract

This paper examines early career development of range conservationists, relative to their forester and wildlife biologist colleagues, in 2 western Forest Service Regions. Perception and acceptance of agency values, satisfaction with range profession and job choices, and long-term career commitments are a few subjects studied. Results show the majority of range conservationist recruits and their colleagues fitting into a long-term commitment to their professions and the Forest Service. Still, about 20% were experiencing initial career adjustment problems. About half the sample were women, and some important female/male differences exist. The greatest differences, however, were observed between professional-types. Range conservationists and foresters (regardless of sex) were generally adapting to a career in the Forest Service more easily than biologists. Range conservationists stood out in their desire for future Forest Service employment when selecting a range science major and belief that their "professional competence" was valued by the Forest Service.