Animal Packer

Forest Service • Joseph, OR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within a National Forest and provides assistance with the complete care of stock, including training, feeding, shoeing, and first aid. The incumbent works with pack animals to support trail, construction, fire, and resource crews, and helps manage ranch and pasture facilities. The position is temporary for the FY2027 hiring season, with an expected start between April 18, 2027 and June 13, 2027. It may last up to six months or, as a not-to-exceed appointment, up to one year; an extension may be possible. The appointment may end early due to lack of work or funds. The position is not eligible for telework and may involve camping in wilderness settings for up to 10 days.

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 qualification requirements and demonstrate the knowledge and abilities identified in the announcement, including ability to work without more than normal supervision, technical practices, use of measuring instruments, interpreting instructions and specifications, using and maintaining tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity, and safety.
• Education cannot substitute for the required qualifications.
• Must satisfy applicable background investigation and/or fingerprint check requirements.
• Must complete employment eligibility verification through E-Verify.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must provide required application documents and meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Pack horses or mules with supplies and equipment for trail crews, including food, tents, and tools.
• Assist with packing construction materials, fire crew supplies, and equipment for resource crews.
• Select appropriate pack equipment under supervision; build and balance loads and strings of animals with minimal supervision.
• Use pack bags, slings, boxes, manty loads, sling ropes, and pack racks, and tie appropriate hitches.
• Fit riding and pack saddles to mules and horses.
• Respond safely to medical conditions and emergencies involving animals and people; provide animal first aid, including shots and wound care.
• Assist with safely restraining animals for veterinary care, shoeing, training, or containment.
• Recognize shoeing needs for horses and mules working in mountain environments.
• Assist with ranch and pasture management, including designing, building, maintaining, and inspecting stock facilities.
• Maintain board, pipe, wire, and electric fences; flood-irrigate native pastures and monitor forage utilization in annual grassland pastures.
• Operate ranch equipment, including a tractor with an auger for making post holes.
• Tow stock trailers on rugged mountain roads and haul stock, gear, equipment, supplies, hay, tractors, and other equipment.
• Report mechanical or equipment performance problems to the supervisor.
• Care for animals in wilderness settings and use Leave-No-Trace skills while camping.
• Help 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; eligibility depends on position type and whether employment is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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