Women’s History Month | Amy Cabral, Biological Science Technician

 When Amy Cabral was tight on money in the early 1990s, her background in science led her to work a seasonal job for the Forest Service. She liked it so much, she came back every year. After 17 years of seasonal work on the Colville National Forest, she joined the Forest Service as a permanent employee. 

That was 11 years ago. These days, the thing that kept her coming back season after season still rings true. Her favorite part of the job is being in the field.

“Getting out early, looking for plants, being in a good habitat where you might find something interesting,” Cabral said. That’s how she describes the perfect day in the field. “And if we find something, it’s a big score!”

A self-described plant nerd, Cabral’s title is Biological Science Technician. She spends much of her day searching for uncommon plants in the forest where projects are planned that might disturb the ground. When any are found, botanists work with staff to make sure the proposed work does not destroy the plants. 

“The work we do benefits not only the communities where we reside, but also cares for the public lands and benefits all species,” she said. 

The Forest Service attracts people from all walks of life who work together to meet today’s needs while ensuring that our natural resources remain healthy and productive for future generations. It’s something Cabral finds deeply satisfying.

Over the years, she’s found it immensely rewarding to share time in the field with university students, recent graduates, and others drawn to Forest Service seasonal work. Cabral delights in getting to know her coworkers while being able to impart some of her knowledge. They develop new skills, make discoveries in the field, and advance their careers.

“It’s such a pleasure because they such delightful young people,” she said. “This job has helped me be around these young folks and has kept me young.” 

Cabral offers the following advice to those who want to join the Forest Service: “Always remember that we are the voice for the resources that can't speak for themselves,” she said. “‘Caring for the land’ is the first part of the Forest Service motto and, in my opinion, the most important part.”