Bernard completed a 36-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, retiring in 1992. The first 20 years as an engineer, and the remaining 16 as a realty specialist, responsible for easement acquisition, land exchanges, appraisals, and negotiations. He is a Montana Certified Appraiser (General) and is presently self-employed. He has been a member of Montana Chapter 45 since 1980 and is certified as an instructor to teach appraisal, engineering and negotiation courses. He has served as Regional Chair and Vice Chair, on the INEC Committee, the Headquarters Move Committee and recently on the Education Summit Committee. He has served as Trustee for the Right of Way International Education Foundation since 2003.