Animal Packer

Forest Service • Joseph, OR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and is responsible for packing supplies and equipment to backcountry locations by horse or mule. The Animal Packer supports trail, construction, fire, and resource crews; manages pack stock and ranch facilities; hauls stock, gear, and equipment; and provides animal care and safety instruction. Work may include camping in wilderness areas for up to 10 days while using Leave-No-Trace skills. The position is temporary and may be filled for up to six months or, as a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds, and an extension may be possible without further competition. The expected start date is between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license; a valid state driver's license is a selective placement factor.
• Must be willing to live and work in remote locations described as volatile or unpredictable.
• Must meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Application and resume must clearly demonstrate qualifying experience; applicants are evaluated on ability to perform the work rather than length of experience.
• Must demonstrate the ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision; technical practices; use of measuring instruments; interpretation of instructions and specifications; use and maintenance of tools and equipment; knowledge of materials; dexterity and safety; and ability to work as a motor vehicle operator without more than normal supervision.
• There is no substitution of education for this position.
• Must pass satisfactory background investigation and/or fingerprint adjudication and E-Verify employment verification.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Federal employees must receive payments by direct deposit.

Responsibilities

• Pack supplies, equipment, trail crew provisions, tools, construction materials, fire crew supplies, and resource crew equipment to backcountry locations using horses or mules.
• Select suitable pack equipment, arrange animals and loads in the proper order, build balanced loads, and fit riding saddles, pack saddles, and work harnesses to horses and mules.
• Safely evaluate and respond to medical conditions and emergencies involving animals and people.
• Provide animal first aid, including administering shots and treating wounds; use restraints safely for doctoring, shoeing, training, or containment; and dispatch a horse or mule if necessary.
• Determine appropriate shoeing for horses and mules working in mountain environments.
• Manage ranch and pasture operations, including designing, building, maintaining, and inspecting stock facilities for safety.
• Build and maintain board, pipe, wire, and electric fences; flood-irrigate native pastures; and monitor forage use in annual grassland pastures.
• Operate ranch equipment, including a tractor with an auger, and haul stock using gooseneck and bumper-pull trailers on rugged mountain roads.
• Haul gear, equipment, supplies, and hay on flatbed trucks and trailers, and haul tractors and equipment for other functions.
• Provide animal care in wilderness settings and work in the wilderness for up to 10 days when needed.
• Guide and instruct student or intern packers and serve as their work leader on pack trips.
• Teach stock safety classes, conduct packing clinics and demonstrations for students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and train firefighters, trail crews, wilderness rangers, and volunteer groups to work safely around pack stock.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a range of benefits; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency can provide details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed