Forestry Technician (Lookout)

About the position

The Forestry Technician (Lookout) position is a temporary role within the Forest Service, primarily focused on fire observation and reporting. The technician will coordinate information between two Interagency Dispatch Centers while overseeing fire lookout operations in various communities. This role is crucial for fire prevention and response, requiring the use of specialized equipment to monitor and report on fire conditions and weather data.

Responsibilities

• Use standard fire finders, compass, binoculars, protractors, and geographic maps to locate observed smoke.
• Estimate distance to smokes and probable size and characteristics of fires.
• Plot location of fires using specialized equipment.
• Report azimuth, distance, location, volume, color, behavior of smoke, and other pertinent information by radio.
• Continue to observe the area and report significant changes to dispatch.
• Evaluate changing conditions using weather instruments and advise Fire Suppression personnel.
• Use radio communications to warn personnel involved in fire response of changes that may affect them.
• Observe ground lightning strikes, report resultant fires, and record storm path.
• Record and report daily weather observations and maintain photo records and log books.
• Maintain lookout equipment and keep the lookout station and grounds orderly.
• Operate a radio communications center connecting to other lookout stations and dispatch centers.
• Receive and relay messages regarding weather forecasts, fire hazard conditions, and emergencies.
• Communicate the location of known down strikes and fires to aircraft during recon activities.
• Promote the fire prevention program by explaining laws, policies, and fire prevention methods to visitors.
• Patrol the district weekly, maintain prevention signs, and issue campfire permits.
• Enter pertinent information into an automated tracking system and conduct database searches.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level, or a bachelor's degree with relevant coursework, or a combination of education and experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in fire prevention and response programs.
• Familiarity with weather instruments and fire behavior analysis.
• Knowledge of state and federal fire laws and regulations.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.