Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service•Cascade, ID

6d•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 reports smoke and fire conditions, observes weather and lightning, and maintains lookout records, equipment, and grounds. The role also operates a radio communications center, relays information about hazards and emergencies, and serves as a key contact for visitors during fire season by promoting fire prevention and explaining applicable laws, policies, regulations, and procedures. This is a temporary position for the FY2027 hiring season, expected to begin between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027. The appointment may 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 funds. The position is not eligible for telework. The employee must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations. Pay varies by location; the stated salary range is for the Rest of the U.S.

Requirements

Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Be at least 18 years of age.
For males born after December 31, 1959, be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Pass satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
For GS-04 qualification, have six months of general experience and six months of directly related specialized experience; or successfully complete two years of qualifying study, including at least 12 semester hours in specified natural-resource-related subjects; or have an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
Clearly document the required experience in the application and resume, and provide transcripts when qualifying based on education.
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 using known landmarks.
Report smoke and fire information by radio or telephone, including azimuth, distance, location, smoke volume, color, and behavior.
Continue observing the area and report significant changes in smoke and wind conditions.
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 for visitors to the lookout station during fire season.
Promote fire prevention by explaining applicable State and Federal laws, policies, regulations, prevention methods, procedures, and fire hazard conditions.