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Remote Forest Fire Watch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Urban Forestry/Fire Work Environment: Remote Compensation: $60.00-65.00/hourly* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are ...

Urban Forestry/Fire Work Environment: Remote Compensation: $60.00-65.00/hourly* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are ...

FORESTER

Chino Valley, AZ · On-site +1

$21.14 - $29.50/hr

Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT Manage and ... All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly ...

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Remote Forest Fire Watch information

See salary details

$26.5K

$62.7K

$100K

How much do remote forest fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote forest fire watch in the United States is $62,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote forest fire watch?

Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs involve monitoring forests and wildland areas for signs of fire, smoke, or other hazards, typically from a lookout station or through remote sensing technology. Workers may use cameras, drones, or satellite feeds to detect potential fires and report them to emergency services or forest management teams. These jobs are crucial for early detection and prevention of wildfires, helping to protect natural resources and nearby communities. The work often requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently in isolated or remote settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote forest fire watch?

To thrive as a Remote Forest Fire Watch, you need strong observational skills, attention to detail, basic knowledge of wildfire behavior, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with communication equipment such as radios, GPS devices, and mapping software is typically required, along with any relevant safety or emergency response certifications. Reliability, self-motivation, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for working independently in isolated environments. These abilities ensure early and accurate detection of forest fires, timely reporting, and the safety of both the environment and local communities.

What are the main challenges faced by a remote forest fire watch, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Forest Fire Watch professionals often contend with extended periods of isolation, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need for high attention to detail over long shifts. Staying alert to subtle changes in the environment is vital to early fire detection, which can be mentally taxing. To address these challenges, organizations typically provide robust communication systems, scheduled check-ins with supervisors, and resources for mental well-being. Regular training and strong support networks also help ensure watch personnel remain vigilant and resilient throughout their shifts.

What is the difference between Remote Forest Fire Watch vs Remote Wildfire Monitoring Technician?

AspectRemote Forest Fire WatchRemote Wildfire Monitoring Technician
CredentialsFire watch certification, GIS knowledgeFire watch certification, GIS and remote sensing skills
Work EnvironmentRemote locations, forested areas, outdoor settingsRemote monitoring centers, outdoor fieldwork, forested regions
Employer & IndustryForestry services, wildfire prevention agenciesEnvironmental agencies, forestry companies, wildfire management
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Remote Forest Fire Watch and Remote Wildfire Monitoring Technician roles both involve wildfire prevention and require similar certifications. The main difference lies in their work environment: Fire Watch typically involves outdoor, on-site observation, while Monitoring Technicians often work remotely or in monitoring centers. Both roles are vital in wildfire management and are frequently compared by job seekers in the forestry and environmental sectors.

What cities are hiring for Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Forest Fire Watch job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Fire Watch jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Fire Watch jobs are:

What states have the most Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Forest Fire Watch jobs are:

Infographic showing various Remote Forest Fire Watch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,665 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Job Corps Fire & Fuels Training Specialist)

Forest Service

Ozark, AR • On-site, Remote

$67K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These positions are located at Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center locations.
Incumbent serves primarily as a Training Specialist for fire and fuels training, vocational instructor for Forestry Practices, and also serves in a variety of fire suppression and Incident Management assignments.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Dirk Huber at dirk.huber@usda.gov.
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Duties
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  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-09 Level
  • Serves as instructor or co-instructor for local, Regional or National fire management training courses.
  • Prepares plans to execute approved training projects insuring proper scheduling and coordination with other unit activities.
  • Serves as a course coordinator/instructor in fire management related courses for interagency, Regional and Interregional Fire Suppression and Incident Management courses and workshops.
  • Prepares announcements, specific instructional and performance objectives, selects instructors and instructional materials.
  • Provide direction to individual instructors insuring course material is adequately presented and achieving its intended purpose.
  • Prepares project plan for training assignments fully describing alternatives, costs, priorities, timeliness and other considerations, and providing recommendations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-8 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-7); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Assisting in the development of fire training and instructional curriculum; performing wildland fire suppression duties; and/or assisting in formulating and developing plans, contracting specifications, and scheduling for well-precedented fire management operations.
For the GW-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-8); OR two full years (36 semester/54 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level education or master's degree if the coursework is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position (in excess of 18 semester/27 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience are: Providing instruction on a variety of fire-related management problems; identifying and procuring the most current information and materials applicable to the jobs, techniques and procedures, for which program courses are intended; and/or determining training needs, job task analysis, and establishing performance standards.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Job Corps Center: All Region- Dirk Huber at dirk.huber@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Government housing and federal day care facilities may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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