About USGS

Can I join the USGS?

As a science agency for the United States government, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves all United States citizens. The USGS can only be “joined” by its employees, but citizens can get involved in USGS research through its Citizen Science programs . Some USGS Citizen Science opportunities are also listed on the Volunteer.gov website.

Keep up with the latest USGS science by subscribing to our many social media platforms.

All paid USGS positions are advertised through USAJOBS.

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Image: USA-NPN Citizen-Scientist Lucille Tower

Do you have any citizen science programs in which my students can participate?

Absolutely! The USGS has partnerships with several citizen science programs that are appropriate for classroom projects, for individual students, or for anyone who wants a fun and rewarding activity. See the Citizen Science page on our USGS Education website .

A USGS scientist leads field trip

Does the USGS offer field trips or classes?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) does not have a formal program for providing field trips or classes. USGS employees will sometimes lead field trips or teach classes that are organized by outside organizations, but those are not advertised by the USGS. The USGS has published numerous field-trip guides to geologic areas. Use our online...

Northwest Washington Field Office

Can I visit a USGS office?

Very few USGS offices are set up to accommodate visitors. Before stopping by a USGS office, you should check their website or call ahead to make sure that visitors are welcome. There are USGS offices in each state. Members of the public are welcome to use libraries that are located at some USGS offices , but materials can only be checked out...

Can I volunteer with the USGS?

Volunteer.gov is the best starting point for volunteer positions with the USGS and other federal agencies. However, many USGS volunteer positions are not formally announced, so they do not appear on that site. You can contact a local USGS office directly to ask about possible volunteer opportunities. Another way to get involved in USGS science is...

Pacific Region Map with Science Centers and Major Offices 2

Where are USGS offices located?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has offices in every state . Our headquarters is located in Reston, Virginia. For assistance finding or contacting a specific USGS office, contact USGS Science Information Services by phone, email, or Web chat .

USGS Nebraska Water Science Center office, Lincoln, Nebr.

How do I contact the USGS?

For general inquiries, call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747). You can also use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a USGS Science Information Specialist. Most of our employees are listed in our online Staff Profiles . USGS offices are located in every state. Please note, however, that most of them perform very...

Measuring water levels at a Summit Springs Canyon well in the Black Rock National Conservation Area, Nev.

Where can I find information on employment with the USGS?

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a Federal science agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help...

Sediment Sampling in Louisiana Photo

What information does the USGS have about careers in science?

Find information and inspiring stories about USGS science careers at these websites: USGS Career Cards USGS Employment and Information Center Students and Youth at the USGS (YouTube playlist) A Snapshot of Women of the U.S. Geological Survey in STEM and related careers Virtual Job Shadow (videos) See the below Related Content Multimedia tab for...

Image: Science Teachers Explore Mount Rainier

Do you have internships, summer positions, or volunteer positions for teachers or students?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not have any positions specifically targeted to teachers, but motivated teachers can sometimes find volunteer positions by contacting our scientists directly. Student internships are designed for college-level students and recent graduates. Younger students are encouraged to explore our many citzen science...

USGS employee sampling surface water and groundwater photo

I am not a citizen of the United States. Can I apply for jobs in the USGS?

As a United States federal agency, the USGS is not permitted to hire non-U.S. citizens except in very rare circumstances. USGS positions are advertised at USAJOBS .

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A citizen-scientist collects field data

February 23, 2017

A citizen-scientist collects field data

A Nature's Notebook citizen-scientist collects field data to be used in research by the USA-National Phenology Network.

Attribution: Land Resources, Ecosystems, Environments Program

person looking into net submerged in a pond

May 20, 2014

Scientist collecting samples of amphibian and dragonfly larvae

Researchers are using citizen scientists to help sample amphibians and dragonfly larvae to investigate whether wildlife exposure to mercury is causing toxicological responses in wildlife. They are also assessing landscape factors that drive mercury production and bioaccumulation by studying mercury concentrations from a range of lakes and wetlands throughout the Nation.

Attribution: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center

video thumbnail: USGS Public Lecture Series: Watching Nature's Clock: A Citizen-Scientist Effort to Track Seasonal Signs of Climate Change

May 5, 2009

USGS Public Lecture Series: Watching Nature's Clock: A Citizen-Scientist Effort to Track Seasonal Signs of Climate Change

A new USGS program, the USA National Phenology Network, is recruiting tens of thousands of volunteers to team up with scientists to help track the effects of climate on seasonal patterns of plant and animal behavior. Come learn how you can contribute to this new national effort, by getting outside, and observing and recording flowering, fruiting and other seasonal events.

Attribution:

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Migratory Bird Day

Citizen Science at the Salton Sea

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Migratory Bird Day.

Attribution: Ecosystems, Status and Trends Program

iCoast allows citizen scientists to identify changes to the coast by comparing aerial photographs taken before and after storms.

iCoast allows citizen scientists to identify changes to the coast

iCoast is a retired USGS web application. It allowed citizen scientists to identify changes to the coast by comparing aerial photographs taken before and after storms.

Attribution: Core Science Systems, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units

Citizen Scientists monitoring Avian populations in the Gulf Coast National Parks

Citizen Scientists monitoring Avian populations

Bird Counts: Birds are monitored annually to provide long-term assessment of bird populations.

Attribution: Ecosystems, Environments Program, Wildlife Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center