Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service • Alpine, AZ

4d • 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, communicates fire and weather observations, maintains lookout equipment and records, operates radio communications, and provides fire-prevention information to visitors. Job Corps graduates are encouraged to apply.

The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or up to a not-to-exceed term of one year; an extension may be possible, and the appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The duty station will be one of the locations listed in the announcement. The position is not eligible for telework, and employees must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.

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.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Pass satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Use direct deposit for Federal payments.
• Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• Meet the GS-04 qualification requirement through one of the following: six months of general experience and six months of directly related specialized experience; successful completion of two years of qualifying study, including at least 12 semester hours in specified natural-resource-related fields; or an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
• For education-based qualification, education must be from an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university and include courses related to the occupation.
• Clearly document qualifying experience in the application and resume; provide transcripts when qualifying based on education and course descriptions as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Job Corps graduates are encouraged to apply.

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 and 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 logbooks.
• 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 messages 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 State and Federal laws, policies, regulations, prevention methods and procedures, and fire hazard conditions.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency can provide details.
• 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