BLM recruits future workforce at Missouri University of Science and Technology career fair

As the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) faces growing demands for energy and minerals expertise, connecting with talented students at leading universities is more crucial than ever. At the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)’s fall career fair on Sept. 22, 2026, BLM staff from the Northeastern States District engaged with students to recruit the next generation of public land stewards. 

Located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri S&T enrolls about 7,000 students and is recognized for its outstanding outcomes. U.S. News and World Report ranked the university number 8 in the nation for graduate salaries, and Georgetown’s University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked it number one among Missouri public universities for return on investment.

The career fair drew an average of 378 prospective employers, making it one of the largest in the state. Recruiters ranged from Fortune 500 corporations to small local companies, along with local, state, and federal government agencies. BLM mining engineer Timothy Howell and BLM geologist Matthew Silvey staffed the BLM booth. They spoke with students about the Bureau’s minerals program and the many other programs the BLM manages on public lands. 

Although the district office sent the team, the recruiting message was bureau wide. Howell and Silvey highlighted opportunities in BLM field, district, and state offices across the country, showing students that a BLM career can span many disciplines and locations. Representing the full range of BLM jobs helps the bureau compete with private industry for graduates in high-demand technical fields. 

The pair also walked students through the federal hiring process and shared best practices for applying through USAJOBS.gov, the federal government’s hiring portal. 

The outreach comes as the BLM is already seeing interest from the university. The Northeastern States District Office has recently seen Missouri S&T applicants on hiring certificates for applicant consideration, a sign that the school’s graduates are pursuing federal careers. 

Continued engagement with universities like Missouri S&T helps build a pipeline of qualified candidates for future openings across the bureau, and department.