Animal Packer (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Marblemount, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Packer assists backcountry operations, particularly packing operations, by supporting the district Animal Packer WG-08. Under the guidance of experienced Animal Packers, the employee learns packing skills through on-the-job training and instruction. Duties include assembling and packaging diverse cargo into neat, compact, balanced loads that can be safely handled, loaded, and secured to horses and mules. Cargo may include construction materials, equipment, food, furniture, supplies, and other items. This is a temporary seasonal appointment, generally during a season of up to six months between April and October, with timing subject to weather, project needs, and funding. The appointment is expected to end when the season’s work is complete and may not exceed 1,039 hours, or 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Anticipated entry on duty is April–May 2027. Work may take place at high altitudes in varied and extreme weather, in barns and shops, and in primitive backcountry locations for up to ten days. Employees supply their own food and provide for personal needs while in the backcountry. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. The work requires substantial physical stamina and strength, including walking, bending, horseback riding for long periods, and lifting, carrying, and securing awkward loads. The employee routinely handles items over 50 pounds individually and up to 150 pounds as part of a team. Hazards include weather exposure, hypothermia, cuts, burns, muscle injuries, and risks from animals. Personal protective equipment is required for certain tasks.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must pass a background investigation and receive 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 have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
Must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the stated education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
Must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability to do the work without more than normal supervision; this is the screen-out factor.
Must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements.
Must demonstrate relevant ability in technical practices, interpreting instructions and specifications, using and maintaining tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity, and safety.
Must describe and document relevant experience and training in the application and resume.
Must be able to perform physically demanding work, including routinely lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items over 50 pounds individually and up to 150 pounds as a team.
Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
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 and obtain a government charge card for travel.
Must supply personal food and provide for personal needs during backcountry stays, when applicable.

Responsibilities

Assist with backcountry packing operations and the district Animal Packer WG-08’s duties.
Learn various phases of packing through on-the-job training and instruction from experienced Animal Packers.
Assemble and package cargo into neat, compact, balanced loads for handling and transport on horses and mules.
Assist in packing a wide variety of cargo, supplies, and materials.
Adjust loads along trails, including in steep, rocky, or otherwise poor-footing conditions.
Prepare loads and lift them onto trucks for transport.
Perform daily feeding and showing of animals.
Use required personal protective equipment for applicable tasks.