Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service • Spearfish, SD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and provides for the detection and reporting of fires from a lookout station. The technician observes and locates smoke and fires, reports fire and weather information, maintains lookout equipment and records, operates radio communications, and serves as a contact for visitors during fire season. The position also supports fire prevention by explaining relevant laws, policies, regulations, prevention methods, procedures, and fire hazard conditions. The role requires willingness to live and work in remote, volatile, and unpredictable locations. This is a temporary position for the FY2027 hiring season, lasting up to six months or, if applicable, up to one year, with a possible extension. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The position is not eligible for telework; duty locations are listed in the announcement, and pay varies by location.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must use direct deposit for Federal payments.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote locations described as volatile and unpredictable.
• For GS-04, must have six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience directly related to the position; or two years of qualifying study, including at least 12 semester hours in specified natural-resource-related subjects; or an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
• General experience may include farm or ranch labor, cleaning tools and equipment, greenhouse or nursery work, landscape or construction crew work, or other experience demonstrating the ability to learn and perform the work.
• Specialized experience may include forestry aid or technician work, or forest or range fire lookout, dispatch, prevention, or suppression work.
• Applications and resumes must clearly show the required experience; transcripts must be provided when qualifying based on education.
• Must meet qualification and documentation requirements by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of a Job Corps program is encouraged.
• Volunteer experience, including service through National Service programs or other organizations, may be credited when it provides qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Use standard fire finders to locate observed smoke.
• Estimate the distance to smoke and the probable size and characteristics of fires.
• Determine fire locations on maps by reference to known landmarks.
• Report fire azimuth, distance, location, smoke volume, color, behavior, and other pertinent information by radio or telephone.
• Continue observing the area and report significant changes, including increased smoke, wind conditions, and changes in smoke color or volume.
• Observe ground lightning strikes, thunderstorms, and cloud formations, and report significant observations.
• Record and report daily weather observations.
• Maintain records and log books.
• Make minor adjustments to and maintain lookout equipment.
• Keep the lookout station and grounds neat and orderly.
• Operate a radio communications center connecting lookout stations and radio sets.
• Receive and relay information about weather forecasts, fire hazards, fire emergencies, accidents, and the locations of work crews and personnel.
• Serve as a key contact at a lookout station visited by large numbers of people during fire season.
• Promote fire prevention by explaining applicable State and Federal laws, policies, regulations, prevention methods, procedures, and fire hazard conditions.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on the position and employment schedule.
• Government housing and Federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed