Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service • Adin, CA

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 Forestry Technician observes and locates smoke and fires, reports fire and weather information, maintains lookout equipment and station facilities, and operates a radio communications center. The position also serves as a key point of contact for visitors during fire season and promotes fire prevention by explaining relevant laws, policies, regulations, and procedures.

This is a temporary position for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start date between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The appointment will last up to six months or up to one year under a not-to-exceed appointment, and may end early due to lack of work or funding. An extension may be possible without further competition. The position is not eligible for telework; duty location and pay vary by location. Government housing and federal day care availability vary by location.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Must be subject to satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• 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.
• Qualifying experience and education must be documented in the application; transcripts are required when qualifying based on education, and course descriptions may be requested.
• Must meet all qualification requirements and provide required documents by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Job Corps graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Examples of relevant general experience include farm or ranch labor, cleaning tools and equipment, greenhouse or nursery work, landscaping or construction crew work, and other work demonstrating an ability to learn and perform the position’s duties.
• Examples of relevant specialized experience include forestry aid or technician work, forest or range fire lookout work, dispatch, fire prevention, or fire suppression.
• Volunteer experience, including service through programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, may count as 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 a map by reference to known landmarks.
• Report fire azimuth, distance, location, smoke volume, color and behavior, and other relevant information by radio or telephone.
• Continue observing the area and report significant changes, including increased smoke, wind conditions, or 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 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 employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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