Fire Lookout Technician — Forest Fire Detection

U.S. Forest Service; United States; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Forest Service seeks a Lookout Station Assistant to support fire detection and reporting from a lookout station in a National Forest.

You will observe conditions, track smoke, log weather data, and maintain equipment during the fire season, serving as a key information point for fire managers. Candidates should be prepared to live/work in remote locations and comply with federal requirements, including background checks, E-Verify where applicable, and selective service registration.

Qualifications

• US citizenship or national status is required.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 1959.
• Background check and fingerprinting required.
• Willing to live and work in remote locations during the fire season.

Responsibilities

• Locate observed smoke using standard fire finders.
• Estimate distance, probable size, and fire behavior.
• Determine map location with reference to landmarks.
• Report azimuth, distance, location, and conditions by radio or telephone.
• Observe area for changes in smoke, wind, and weather.
• Record daily weather observations and maintain logs.
• Maintain lookout equipment and keep the station orderly.
• Operate radio communications center connecting lookout stations.
• Serve as the public contact at the lookout during visits.
• Promote fire prevention laws and safety practices.

Skills

Fire lookout

Smoke spotting

Radio communications

Weather observations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Field radios

Weather instruments

Job description

U.S. Forest Service seeks a Lookout Station Assistant to support fire detection and reporting from a lookout station in a National Forest.

You will observe conditions, track smoke, log weather data, and maintain equipment during the fire season, serving as a key information point for fire managers. Candidates should be prepared to live/work in remote locations and comply with federal requirements, including background checks, E-Verify where applicable, and selective service registration.