About 43 duty stations on California national forests, from Redding and Quincy to Kernville, are hiring fire lookouts for 2027. The work is detecting and locating smoke, reporting fire details and changing conditions by radio, taking weather observations, maintaining the lookout and its equipment, and talking with visitors about fire prevention. Location can be negotiable after selection. Government housing availability varies by location and the posting gives no specifics. The job is a temporary appointment of up to 6 months or a year, starting between April 18 and June 13, 2027, open to any U.S. citizen. You need a year of specialized experience or a related bachelor’s degree or 24 semester hours in forestry or fire science, and a willingness to live and work in remote places. Apply on USAJOBS with a two-page resume.
| Pay | $19.52 per hour (Rest of U.S. rate; varies by location) |
|---|---|
| Employment Type | Seasonal |
| Season | Apr 18, 2027 |
| Housing | Not provided |
| Meals | Not provided |
| Experience | Some experience |
| Location | California |
| Job Type | Wildlife & Forestry |
| Posted | Nov 9, 2026 |
| Apply By | Nov 12, 2026 |
How to Apply
Applications go directly to USDA Forest Service. WildWork does not sit in the middle. Say you found the job on WildWork so they know the listing works.
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Summarized from a public posting on USAJOBS announcement 27-TEMP3-R5-FS3451-5DH, checked Nov 9. Not posted by the employer, and not yet verified by WildWork — confirm the details before you travel. Apply on the employer’s original posting.
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