e-learning Technical Training Leadership Training The Forest Service is committed to employee development through first-class training programs available throughout their career in both external coursework and internal programs featuring state-of-the-art computer-based training. The following are just some of the enhancements we offer. e-learning -- The Forest Service is piloting e-learning, using the Internet to meet the needs of our geographically dispersed workforce 24 hours a day. Employees can meet many career development needs without travel time or expense. The training offered will include the SkillSoft library of over 300 courses and NETg online curriculum of over 600 courses in computer skills for beginners and for information technology professionals. Technical Training -- Many opportunities exist for professional career development, including formal professional certification programs such as silviculture in timber management; bridge design in engineering; contracting; appraisals in lands; and more areas. Forest Service offers courses that are not available anywhere else in the world, such as the minerals and geology program which trains employees to be minerals examiners, or oil and gas administrators. An employee can become an expert witness for the Federal government on minerals court cases, or a Federal representative on active oil and gas exploration and production sites. Opportunities to further many careers can be found in technical training designed, developed and provided by the Forest Service for numerous occupations. Leadership Training -- Our Web-based Leader Resource Center will offer assessment tools, links to e-learning resources, links to classroom training opportunities and materials, access to articles and best practices in leadership, and a supervisor's reference guide with basic facts on human resource management, ethics, and safety topics. Our planned 40-hour classroom course will be provided to all new supervisors and will include training in cultural awareness, communication and interpersonal skills, teambuilding, conflict management, problem solving, and human resource management. Another 40-hour classroom course will add training in strategic thinking, and partnering and collaboration (along with continuing skill development in interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and teambuilding). Back to top