Animal Packer

Forest Service • Bishop, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest. The Animal Packer transports supplies, equipment, construction materials, and other loads to backcountry locations by horse or mule. The role includes caring for and managing stock in wilderness and ranch settings, transporting equipment and stock by vehicle and trailer, and providing leadership, instruction, and safety training to student or intern packers, crews, and volunteer groups. The position may involve up to 10 days of wilderness camping and is temporary, with an appointment of up to six months or, in some cases, up to one year.

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.
• Must meet the position's Federal Wage System qualification requirements; applicants are evaluated on their ability to perform the work rather than length of experience.
• Must demonstrate the identified job elements, including performing work without more than normal supervision; technical practices; use of measuring instruments; interpreting instructions and specifications; use and maintenance of tools and equipment; knowledge of materials; dexterity and safety; and operating a motor vehicle without more than normal supervision.
• A valid state driver's license is a selective placement factor.
• No substitution of education is allowed for this position.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must successfully pass required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.

Responsibilities

• Pack supplies and equipment to backcountry locations using horses or mules, including trail crew gear, construction materials, fire crew supplies, and resource crew equipment.
• Select appropriate pack equipment, arrange animals and loads in the proper order, build balanced loads, and tie appropriate hitches.
• Fit riding saddles, pack saddles, and work harnesses to horses and mules.
• Evaluate and respond safely to medical conditions and emergency situations involving animals and people; provide animal first aid, including shots and wound care.
• Use restraints safely for veterinary care, shoeing, training, or containment, and dispatch a horse or mule if necessary.
• Determine appropriate shoeing for horses and mules working in mountain environments.
• Manage ranches and pastures, including designing, building, maintaining, and inspecting stock facilities; building and maintaining fences; irrigating pastures; and monitoring forage use.
• Operate ranch equipment, including a tractor with an auger, and haul stock, gear, equipment, supplies, and hay using trucks and trailers.
• Camp in wilderness settings for up to 10 days while using Leave-No-Trace skills and providing animal care.
• Provide guidance and instruction to student or intern packers and serve as work leader on pack trips.
• Teach stock safety classes, conduct packing clinics and demonstrations, and train firefighters, trail crews, wilderness rangers, and volunteers to work safely around pack stock.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility depends on appointment type and whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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