r/firelookouts • u/lethoso • Jul 05 '25

Lookout Questions Anyone know if Jasper Alberta has firewatch lookout positions?

I’m 19 and for some reason I want nothing more than to Firewatch in a tower in the mountains. I have seen that Alberta has some jobs apparently but I would need to do it in the mountains if I were gonna be there for that long. I’ve also heard this job has sorta disappeared in BC so I don’t have a lot of faith that it’s possible to Firewatch in the mountains anymore as a job.

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10

u/Apart-One4133 Jul 05 '25

They eradicated some mountains lookout towers some years back. The mountains lookouts are also the shortest. Around 3 months long. Whereas a Lookout closer to civilisation will be around 6 months. 

2

u/lethoso Jul 05 '25

Do you know how I’d get into doing 3 months in one of the mountain towers?

7

u/Apart-One4133 Jul 05 '25

Just like any other jobs, by applying. 

-2

u/lethoso Jul 05 '25

I’ve only ever had 1 job and it’s retail and I got it from a friend. I have no idea where to even begin looking where to apply for something like this.

12

u/Apart-One4133 Jul 05 '25

Hhm.. I dont want to be rude but there's some truths that need to be told here. 

I don't think you're ready to be a Lookout. They are looking for people who are self reliant and capable on their own.

For exemple, on my site I have a riding mower. When it breaks (and it breaks often cause its old), I need to repair it myself, otherwise the next time someone comes in is 3 weeks to a month later and there's no guarantee they'll know how to. 

You have to maintain your yard, equipment,  be wildlife aware, to be able to repair and maintain various things, you have to acquire certain certifications, etc

You're here right now struggling with how to do the first steps even with full access to the internet and ressources, what's going to happen when you're all alone and you need to figure some stuff out without internet ? 

Im not saying its the most complicated job in the world, or that you can't do it, but it just appears to me that you may want to rethink what this job truly mean. 

0

u/lethoso Jul 05 '25

Yeah no that makes a lot of sense. I have only begun to think about it and I thought maybe if someone who’s done the Jasper towers before, they’d be able to point me to the right website and such. I’m out camping right now and I’m gonna look into it more when I get back for sure.

2

u/Apart-One4133 Jul 05 '25

Alright. Well, good Luck with it all, happy camping and start your research on the Government's website. 

5

u/fastermouse Jul 05 '25

He completely missed your point.

2

u/Reptilian_Brain_420 Jul 05 '25

You would need to wait until one of the lookouts who are working those towers give up their spot.
The mountain lookouts are some of the most desirable and competitive ones in the province.

0

u/Apart-One4133 Jul 07 '25

Sorry, what do you mean exactly by "competitive", you make 12,000$ less in those towers than the ones closer to cities. 

2

u/Reptilian_Brain_420 Jul 07 '25

Competitive: When positions open, there are a very large number of people waiting to fill them.

It isn't all about the money.