Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Forest Service • Elk City, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located on a National Forest and provides for the detection and reporting of fires from a lookout station. Forestry Technician (Lookout) positions are temporary appointments for the FY2027 hiring season, expected to start between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. Appointments may last up to six months or, where specified, up to one year, 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, and employees must be willing to live and work in remote locations that may be volatile or unpredictable. Duty location and pay vary; the salary range shown in the announcement is for the Rest of the U.S.

The position detects and reports fires and other significant weather and fire-related observations from a lookout station. It also maintains lookout equipment, records, and station grounds; operates radio communications; relays messages; and serves as a contact for visitors, promoting fire prevention and explaining applicable laws, policies, procedures, and fire hazards. Job Corps graduates are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
• Must pass satisfactory background adjudication and/or a fingerprint check.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote, volatile or unpredictable locations.
• GS-04 qualification: six months of general experience and six months of directly related specialized experience; or successful completion of two years of study including at least 12 semester hours in specified natural-resources-related subjects; or an appropriate combination of qualifying experience and education above high school.
• Applications and resumes must clearly demonstrate the required experience; transcripts must be provided when qualifying based on education, and course descriptions provided as necessary.
• Must meet all qualification requirements and provide updated required documents by the announcement closing date.

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 a map by reference to known landmarks.
• Report by radio or telephone the azimuth, distance, location, smoke volume, color and behavior, and other pertinent information.
• 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 other lookout stations and radio sets.
• Receive and relay messages about weather forecasts, fire hazard conditions, 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, fire prevention methods and procedures, and fire hazard conditions.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position held and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
• Government housing may be available depending on location.
• Federal day care facilities may be available depending on location.

What This Job Offers

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