 Lukens worked for the US Forest Service from 1900 to 1906.His first association with the agency was through Muir, who recommended him to Chief Forester Gifford Pinchot in 1899.Next, State Senator Delos Arnold, a prominent Pasadenan, recommended Lukens and by May 1, 1900, Lukens was offered the honorary position of Collaborater at $300 a year.