Animal Caretaker (Packer Helper) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Port Angeles, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker (Packer Helper) assists backcountry packing operations and supports the Lead Animal Caretaker in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the role. The employee learns packing techniques through on-the-job training and instruction from experienced Animal Packers. Under the supervision of journeyman packers, the employee assembles and packages cargo in neat, compact, secure arrangements that can be handled, balanced, loaded, and hitched aboard horses and mules. Cargo may include construction materials, equipment, supplies, food, furniture, explosives, and hay.

This is a temporary seasonal appointment, generally lasting no more than six months between April and October, with the season varying according to weather, project needs, or funding. The appointment is expected to end when the season’s work is complete and may be terminated earlier for changes in funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. The position may be appointed for up to 1,039 hours, or up to 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Anticipated entry on duty is April–May 2027.

Work is performed outdoors in all weather and on rugged, steep terrain at elevations from sea level to 8,000 feet. The employee may need to camp for up to eight consecutive nights in a remote backcountry setting, travel overnight, and work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. A uniform is required, and a uniform allowance will be provided.

The job requires hiking, leading pack animals, and operating vehicles, equipment, and power and hand tools. It involves frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of items weighing 70 pounds, occasional lifting and carrying of materials weighing up to 100 pounds, and walking up to 20 miles per day over steep or rough trails. Hazards include falling limbs, trees, and rocks; rough terrain; snow slides; and unpredictable interactions with stock animals.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must satisfy the minimum age requirement: at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meeting one of the specified education, vocational training, school authorization, or student employment conditions.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must be able to meet the job-related qualifications, including ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor), technical practices, use of measuring instruments, interpreting instructions and specifications, using and maintaining tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity, and safety.
• Must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to qualify.
• Must provide a resume that documents relevant experience and training and supports responses to the assessment questionnaire.
• Must be able to hike, lead pack animals, and operate vehicles, equipment, and power and hand tools, including on rough surfaces and uneven grades.
• Must frequently lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing 70 pounds and occasionally lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to walk up to 20 miles per day over steep and/or rough trails.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varied and extreme weather, rugged terrain, and a remote backcountry setting, including camping up to eight consecutive nights.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards; occupancy of government quarters may be required.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle, travel overnight, obtain a government charge card for travel, and work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with backcountry packing operations and support the Lead Animal Caretaker in performing the role’s duties.
• Learn various phases of packing through on-the-job training and instruction from experienced Animal Packers.
• Under journeyman packer supervision, assemble and package cargo in neat, compact, secure arrangements suitable for handling, balancing, loading, and hitching onto horses and mules.
• Assist with packing a wide variety of cargo, including construction materials, equipment, supplies, food, furniture, explosives, and hay.
• Hike, lead pack strings, and operate vehicles, equipment, and power and hand tools as needed.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed