Forestry Technician (Lookout)

United States Forest Service • Sedalia, CO

439d • $36,088 - $36,088

About The Position

The Forestry Technician (Lookout) position is established within the Forest Service to monitor and report on fire activity from a lookout station. The role involves using fire detection equipment, maintaining lookout facilities, and serving as a key contact for fire prevention and reporting during the fire season. This temporary position is open to U.S. citizens and is expected to last up to 6 months, with a potential extension.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must have six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience related to the position, or an appropriate combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in forestry aid or technician work.
• Experience in forest or range fire lookout, dispatch, prevention, or suppression work.

Responsibilities

• Use standard fire finders to locate observed smoke and estimate distance to smokes and probable size and characteristics of fires.
• Determine map location of fires with reference to known landmarks.
• Report azimuth, distance, location, volume, color, behavior of smoke, and other pertinent information by radio or telephone.
• Continue to observe the area and report significant changes such as increased smoke, wind conditions, changes in color or volume of smoke.
• Observe ground lightning strikes, thunderstorms, and build-up cloud formations and report significant observations.
• Record and report daily weather observations and maintain records and log books.
• Make minor adjustments and maintain lookout equipment, ensuring the lookout station and grounds are neat and orderly.
• Operate a radio communications center connecting other lookout stations and radio sets.
• Receive and relay messages and information related to weather forecasts, fire hazard conditions, fire emergencies, and location of work crews and personnel.
• Promote the fire prevention program by explaining State and Federal laws, policies, and regulations, as well as fire prevention methods and procedures.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: High school or GED