New Acting Forest Supervisor on Monongahela National Forest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has selected Tracy Calizon as Monongahela National Forest’s Acting Forest Supervisor, according to a press release from the USFS.  She will lead the 920,000-acre Forest for the next four months, replacing Shawn Cochran who is now Forest Supervisor for Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.

Calizon began her Forest Service career in Washington DC, where she worked for Research and Development, as a national litigation coordinator, and with the Office of Tribal Relations as lead author on the USDA/Forest Service Synthesis on Sacred Sites. Her next post was on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, in southwestern Washington State, where she led efforts in sustainable recreation, public affairs, heritage, tribal relations, special uses, and partnerships as the Community Engagement Staff Officer. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director for Recreation, Lands, and Minerals in the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office, supporting all national forests in Oregon and Washington.

“I’ve heard fantastic things about the Monongahela and West Virginia and am very happy to be here,” said Calizon. “I’m excited to put my skills to work alongside of all of you who love the Mon!”

Calizon holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from University of Virginia and a law degree, with a concentration in natural resources and public lands law, from University of Colorado. She grew up camping, hiking, and skiing in the parks, forests, and beaches of Virginia and the surrounding area, and enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and traveling with her favorite travel buddies, her husband Bobby and their two teenaged kids.

In other news, the Monongahela National Forest is recruiting students for four paid summer internship positions. All positions will work out of the Elkins Forest Service office. Applications are due February 7, 2024.

These positions are open to students who have been accepted for enrollment, or who are enrolled at least half-time, in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

Applications are only accepted through USAJOBS. The following internship positions are open:

Student Trainee (General): https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770242300

Student Trainee (Engineering): https://www.usajobs.gov/job/770245300

Review the job announcement carefully for deadlines and required information to include in your application. Employment start dates vary. For more information about these positions and how to apply, contact robert.phillips1@usda.gov.

To learn about USDA Forest Service career opportunities, benefits, hiring events and resources to help with the application process, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers.