Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Summary

Fire Lookout Duties

Uses standard fire finders, compass, binoculars, protractors, and geographic maps to locate observed smoke. Estimates distance to smokes and probable size and characteristics of fires.

Plots location of fires using specialized equipment. Reports azimuth, distance, location, volume, color, behavior of smoke, and other pertinent information by radio.

Continues to observe the area and reports significant changes such as increased smoke, wind conditions, changes in color or volume of smoke, etc to dispatch.

Evaluates changing conditions with the use of weather instruments to interpret fire weather data, then advises Fire Suppression personnel of those changes.

Uses radio communications to warn personnel involved in the response to fires of changes that may affect them.

Observes ground lightning strikes, reports resultant fires, and records storm path to assist in the observation for hold over fires.

Records and reports daily weather observations and records.

Maintains photo records and log books identifying the source and duration of smoke plumes.

Makes minor adjustments to and maintains lookout equipment. Maintains station and grounds in a neat and orderly condition.

Operates a radio communications center which connects to other lookout stations, lookouts, agencies, and two interagency dispatch centers.

Receives and relays messages and information received relating to weather forecasts, fire hazard conditions, fire emergencies, accidents, and location of work crews and personnel.

Communicates the location of known down strikes and fires to aircraft during recon activities.

Serves as key contact at a lookout station visited by large numbers of people during the fire season.

Promotes the fire prevention program by explaining State and Federal laws, policies, and regulations, as well as fire prevention methods and procedures and fire hazard conditions.

Patrols district one day per week; maintains prevention signs; changes out prevention signs as needed; issues campfire permits; explains state and federal laws to visitors during patrol.

Reviews documents and reports for completeness and enters pertinent information into an automated tracking system.

Independently conducts the full range of database searches; reviews and processes documents and reports in accordance with established procedures.

Job Description

Fire Lookout Duties

Uses standard fire finders, compass, binoculars, protractors, and geographic maps to locate observed smoke. Estimates distance to smokes and probable size and characteristics of fires.

Plots location of fires using specialized equipment. Reports azimuth, distance, location, volume, color, behavior of smoke, and other pertinent information by radio.

Continues to observe the area and reports significant changes such as increased smoke, wind conditions, changes in color or volume of smoke, etc to dispatch.

Evaluates changing conditions with the use of weather instruments to interpret fire weather data, then advises Fire Suppression personnel of those changes.

Uses radio communications to warn personnel involved in the response to fires of changes that may affect them.

Observes ground lightning strikes, reports resultant fires, and records storm path to assist in the observation for hold over fires.

Records and reports daily weather observations and records.

Maintains photo records and log books identifying the source and duration of smoke plumes.

Makes minor adjustments to and maintains lookout equipment. Maintains station and grounds in a neat and orderly condition.

Operates a radio communications center which connects to other lookout stations, lookouts, agencies, and two interagency dispatch centers.

Receives and relays messages and information received relating to weather forecasts, fire hazard conditions, fire emergencies, accidents, and location of work crews and personnel.

Communicates the location of known down strikes and fires to aircraft during recon activities.

Serves as key contact at a lookout station visited by large numbers of people during the fire season.

Promotes the fire prevention program by explaining State and Federal laws, policies, and regulations, as well as fire prevention methods and procedures and fire hazard conditions.

Patrols district one day per week; maintains prevention signs; changes out prevention signs as needed; issues campfire permits; explains state and federal laws to visitors during patrol.

Reviews documents and reports for completeness and enters pertinent information into an automated tracking system.

Independently conducts the full range of database searches; reviews and processes documents and reports in accordance with established procedures.