Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Port Angeles, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal Animal Caretaker (Packer) position. The typical season lasts no more than six months between April and October, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, or funding. Entry on duty is anticipated in April–May 2027. The temporary appointment is expected to end when the season’s work is complete and is generally limited to 1,039 hours, although it may be extended to 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Employment may end earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The position cares for pack animals in front-country and backcountry settings. Duties include feeding animals appropriate rations, providing basic veterinary care, recognizing serious injuries or illnesses and coordinating medical care, and performing farrier work. The incumbent leads strings of up to eight animals over rough mountain trails, including extended trail days and backcountry camping.

Work is outdoors in varied weather and rugged terrain, at elevations from sea level to 8,000 feet. The role involves strenuous hiking and handling stock animals, frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, and operation of vehicles, equipment, and tools. The employee may walk up to 20 miles per day, lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally, and camp in remote backcountry settings for as many as eight consecutive nights. Overnight travel away from home may be required for up to 16 nights per month.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Must be at least 21 years old to operate government vehicles.
• Must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor).
• Must demonstrate technical practices, use of measuring instruments, ability to interpret instructions and specifications, ability to use and maintain tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, and dexterity and safety.
• Must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points across all job elements.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must pass pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Must be able to hike, lead pack strings, operate vehicles and equipment, and use power and hand tools in strenuous and rugged conditions.
• Must be able to frequently lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing 50 pounds and occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to walk up to 20 miles per day over steep or rough trails.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and at elevations up to 8,000 feet.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.
• May be required to travel overnight away from home up to 16 nights per month.
• May be required to obtain a government charge card for travel.
• May be required to occupy government quarters.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• All qualifications must be met by October 26, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Feed animals appropriate types and amounts of rations in front-country and backcountry settings, including during heavy work periods, off periods, and the employee’s lieu days.
• Provide basic veterinary care, including worming, vaccinating, administering medication, and dressing wounds.
• Recognize serious animal injuries or illnesses and coordinate required medical care.
• Perform farrier duties at regular intervals while avoiding injury to animals or people, and ensure animals are properly shod before backcountry trips.
• Safely lead strings of up to eight animals over rough mountain trails and camp in remote backcountry settings.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families may have access to a range of federal benefits, subject to position and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed