About the Station

RMRS researchers work in a range of biological, physical and social science fields to promote sustainable management of the Nation's diverse forests and rangelands. The Station develops and delivers scientific knowledge and innovative technologies with a focus on informing policy and land-management decisions. Our researchers work in collaboration with a range of partners, including other agencies, academia, nonprofit groups, and industry. The Rocky Mountain Research Station serves the Forest Service as well as other federal and state agencies, international organizations, Tribes, academia, non-profit groups and the public.

Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency’s inception in 1905. The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) is an integral component of USDA Forest Service Research and Development (R&D). 

Read the Fiscal Year 2023 Technology Transfer Report to learn how the Rocky Mountain Research Station gathered and synthesized information from a range of disciplines and delivered it in a clear, accessible format to fit user needs in 2022. 

RMRS maintains 14 research laboratories throughout a 12-state territory encompassing the Great Basin, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and parts of the Great Plains. The Station employs over 350 permanent full-time employees, including roughly 80 research scientists. Our research spans from local to global. The RMRS footprint includes four Forest Service Regions: Northern Region (Region 1), Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2), Southwest Region (Region 3), and Intermountain Region (Region 4). 

RMRS administers and conducts ecological research on 14 Experimental Forests and Ranges over the long-term. Some of this research dates back over a century and offers invaluable insight into how forests change over time, particularly as we face a changing climate and new disturbance regimes. 

We also oversee activities on several hundred Research Natural Areas, a network of ecosystems set aside to conserve biological diversity. These areas represent a wide variety of habitats and ecosystems from alpine ecosystems to lowlands; and from coniferous forests of the Northern Rockies to semiarid deserts of the Southwest and prairie ecosystems of the Great Plains.

We produce Science You Can Use Bulletins, Science You Can Use (in 5 minutes), and Science You Can Use Webinars. Sign up here to receive weekly emails with the latest Science You Can Use updates. 

Working at the Rocky Mountain Research Station

A career in Forest Service research is challenging, creative, and satisfying. It puts you on the front lines of some of the most advanced natural resources research in the world. Scientists and support personnel work together to provide the best science possible to help manage our Nation’s forests, ranges, and wetlands in ways that are most environmentally responsible, sustainable for the long term, and most enjoyable for those who use them.

Since 1905, our employees have met that mission. But today, more excitement, greater challenges, and more career variety than ever before await those who join the nation's premier forest management agency. Are you up to the challenge?

The Rocky Mountain Research Station is constantly moving forward. Our core responsibility is sound and scientific focus on stewardship and sustainability of the land, water, and communities, but the way we deliver that to the public is changing every day. Exciting advances in science and technology, communications, national and global priorities, and public expectations are opening new vistas for Forest Service employees. A career with us allows you to take advantage of all these.

Current Job Openings 

All current job openings at the Rocky Mountain Research Station are listed on USAJOBS.

Volunteering 

If you have interest in volunteering for the Station, the types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied. Your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to obtain a role that satisfies you and best fulfills the mission of the Forest Service. You may work on a part-time or full-time basis. You can participate in a one-time project or serve over several months, seasons, or year-round. Visit the Forest Service Volunteers page for additional information.