Forestry Technician (Lookout)

About the position

The Forestry Technician (Lookout) position is established to provide fire detection services on a Ranger District, coordinating information between two Interagency Dispatch Centers and overseeing two communities. The role is crucial for supporting district fire suppression personnel by monitoring fire activity and weather conditions, ensuring timely communication and response to fire emergencies.

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 and report 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 of changes affecting fire response.
• Observe ground lightning strikes, report resultant fires, and record storm paths.
• Record and report daily weather observations and maintain photo records and log books.
• Make minor adjustments to and maintain lookout equipment and keep the 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 hazards, 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.
• Explain state and federal laws to visitors and review documents for completeness.
• Conduct database searches and process documents in accordance with established procedures.

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.
• Direct Deposit is required for federal payments.
• 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 detection and reporting.
• Knowledge of fire prevention laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with weather instruments and fire weather data interpretation.

Benefits

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