Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service • Riggins, ID

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 monitors the surrounding area, identifies and evaluates smoke and fire activity, and communicates relevant information to fire personnel and other stations. The role also includes making and reporting weather observations, maintaining lookout equipment and records, operating radio communications, and assisting visitors with fire-prevention information. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year; an extension may be possible. 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. This position is not eligible for telework.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Use direct deposit for Federal payments.
• For the GS-04 level, qualify through one of the stated pathways: six months of general experience and six months of directly related specialized experience; 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.
• Clearly document qualifying experience in the application and resume; provide transcripts for education-based qualifications and course descriptions when necessary.
• Meet all qualification requirements and provide required documents by the announcement closing date.

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 a map by reference to known landmarks.
• Report smoke azimuth, distance, location, 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 and report ground lightning strikes, thunderstorms, and developing cloud formations.
• 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 other 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 relevant State and Federal laws, policies, regulations, prevention methods, procedures, and fire hazard conditions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees; eligibility depends on position type and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED