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Fire Tower Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Operating Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$66K - $89K/yr

... tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pump(s), sump pump(s), and ejector pumps. Replace lamps, light fixtures, reinstall or replace signage, verify rooms are clean ...

Oversee cooling tower water treatment and pH neutralization * Support fire protection and energy-management programs WHAT YOU BRING * High School Diploma or GED (required) * 2-year technical degree ...

Fire Tower information

How much do Firewatch lookouts get paid?

Firewatch lookouts typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and agency. Many positions require outdoor skills, observation training, and sometimes certification in firefighting or safety procedures.

What are the major challenges faced by Fire Tower lookouts during a typical work season?

Fire Tower lookouts often work in remote locations, spending long hours alone while maintaining high levels of concentration to spot smoke or fire activity. They must remain vigilant despite changing weather conditions, limited amenities, and sometimes challenging terrain when accessing their stations. Communication with emergency response teams is essential, especially during critical situations when prompt reporting can make a significant difference. Overcoming isolation and managing the responsibility of early wildfire detection are among the primary challenges in this unique, impactful role.

Are fire lookouts in demand?

Fire lookouts are in steady demand in regions with active wildfire seasons, as they play a critical role in early fire detection. Employment opportunities often depend on government budgets, wildfire risk levels, and seasonal staffing needs, with some positions requiring certification in fire management or communication skills.

Do Firewatch jobs still exist?

Firewatch jobs, which involve monitoring forests for wildfires, still exist and are typically seasonal positions employed by government agencies or private contractors. These roles often require training in fire safety, communication skills, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or first aid. The demand for firewatchers depends on wildfire risk and forest management needs.

What is a Fire Tower job?

A Fire Tower job typically refers to the role of a fire lookout, where an individual monitors forests from a tower to detect wildfires. Lookouts use binoculars, maps, and communication equipment to report smoke or fire activity. The job often requires living in remote locations and working long hours alone. It plays a crucial role in early wildfire detection, helping to protect forests, wildlife, and communities.

Are fire lookout jobs hard to get?

Fire lookout jobs can be competitive due to limited positions and specific requirements such as good eyesight, physical fitness, and the ability to work alone for extended periods. Applicants often need relevant experience, certifications, or training in forestry or firefighting, and the hiring process may involve background checks and interviews.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fire Tower position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Tower lookout, you need strong observational skills, thorough knowledge of fire detection and reporting procedures, and in many cases, a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication equipment, GPS systems, and fire mapping tools is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to remain calm and focused during long periods of solitude are important soft skills. These attributes are critical to accurately detecting early signs of wildfires and ensuring timely, effective communication with response teams.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Tower jobs in Indiana? For Fire Tower jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Tower jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Tower jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Fire Tower jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Fire Tower job openings:
Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Ouabache State Park

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Ouabache State Park

State of Indiana

Bluffton, IN • On-site

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Ouabache State Park:
Ouabache State Park (pronounced, "O-bah-chee," which means "it shines bright") was a forest and game reserve before becoming a state park. It was once used to raise pheasants and quail. Remnants of old pens are still visible. The area now contains a 20-acre bison exhibit, as well as a lake and multiple recreational opportunities.  Activities include basketball, bicycling, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and sightseeing from the 100-foot fire tower.

Ouabache is currently hiring an Interpretive Specialist. Weekend and holidays are required as well as a valid driver's license, 2 years of college experience preferred


Salary Statement: 

The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour. 

A Day in the Life:

The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers provide customer service and education to visitors about park features while maintaining the property's natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:

  • Interpretive Specialists: Educate the public on property-specific nature, history, culture, and park services through memorable experiences. 
  • Naturalist Aides: Assists with education of the nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. This position may also assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.
  • Village Workers (Spring Mill State Park Only): This group assists with the education of period-appropriate trades, techniques, and crafts while presenting cultural history. Trades include woodworking, leatherwork, broom-making, blacksmithing, weaving, and milling. 
  • Cave Tour Guides (O’Bannon Woods State Park Only): Educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collecting tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna.  Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment, and the registration shed.
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking, and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

​​​​​​​You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform
  • May be required to travel to different properties
  • May experience working in potentially inclement weather
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews
  • May be required to have a valid driver’s license. 
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.). 
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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