Embark on an Adventure: Careers as an Animal Packer in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Do you have a background in animal care, heavy equipment operation, and a love for the rugged wilderness? The National Park Service (NPS) is offering a unique seasonal opportunity to serve as a Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) within the breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This role is designed for those who thrive in remote, physically demanding environments and are committed to preserving our nation’s natural heritage.
Job Responsibilities
The Animal Packer role is multifaceted, requiring a balance of mechanical skill and livestock expertise. Your daily duties will include:
- Livestock Management: Caring for 6 to 10 mules and 4 to 6 saddle horses, including feeding, wrangling, and behavioral training.
- Logistics and Packing: Packing food, tools, explosives, and camp equipment into remote backcountry trail crew locations.
- Vehicle Operation: Transporting livestock and supplies on narrow, winding mountain roads using heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
- Maintenance: Performing minor vehicle repairs, maintaining corrals, and managing tack.
Comparison: Standard Operator vs. Animal Packer
| Feature | Standard Operator | Animal Packer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Road Maintenance | Backcountry Support |
| Key Skill | Heavy Equipment | Pack Stock Care |
| Work Setting | Frontcountry/Roads | Wilderness/Backcountry |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet specific federal hiring criteria:
- License: A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is mandatory.
- Physical Fitness: You must be capable of working in high-altitude environments, hiking long distances with 50+ lb loads, and camping for weeks at a time.
- Background: All applicants are subject to a background check and drug testing.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $23.89 to $27.87, depending on the specific location and qualifications. As a seasonal role, this provides a great way to enter the federal workforce.
Benefits
While these are temporary roles, you gain access to:
- Professional experience within a premier federal land management agency.
- A uniform allowance.
- Potential for rehire in future seasons.
- The unique opportunity to live and work in a world-class national park.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep it to exactly two pages. If it is longer, it will not be reviewed.
- Selective Factors: Clearly define your experience with backpacking and pack animals to meet the mandatory selective factors.
- Document Everything: Ensure your DD-214 or other priority documents are included if claiming veteran preference.
Serving as an Animal Packer is more than just a job; it is a lifestyle that supports the very heartbeat of wilderness conservation. If you are prepared for the challenge, we invite you to apply and make your mark in the majestic Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Why This Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal) Job Matters
Combine your passion for the outdoors with professional expertise as a Motor Vehicle Operator and Animal Packer for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal) Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking dedicated individuals to fill seasonal Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) roles. These positions are essential for maintaining the backcountry infrastructure of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, involving the transport of materials and the care of pack stock in rugged wilderness terrain.
Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by date of entry.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and be subject to random drug testing.
- Ability to hike for extended periods in rugged backcountry at altitudes over 7,000 ft while carrying a 50 lb pack.
- Must be at least 18 years old or 16 with specific educational credentials.
- Adhere to National Park Service uniform standards.
Preferred Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal)
- Proven reliability and dependability in operating heavy motor vehicles.
- Prior experience working with pack stock, including feeding, training, and farrier duties.
- Capability to perform minor vehicle repairs and maintenance in remote settings.
- Experience living and working in isolated, primitive, or backcountry environments for extended durations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly wage
- ✓Uniform allowance
- ✓Housing availability (dependent on site and availability)
- ✓Non-competitive rehire eligibility for subsequent seasons
- ✓Invaluable experience in federal natural resource management
💡 How to Apply Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal) Job
- Preview the application questionnaire online.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Draft a federal resume limited to two pages.
- Submit your resume, assessment responses, and documentation of your Class A CDL through the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit and 10-point font minimum.
- Explicitly detail your backcountry and animal packing experience to meet selective factors.
- Double-check that your Class A CDL status is clearly documented.
- Avoid using photographs in your application materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the physical nature of this job?
The role is physically demanding. You will hike miles daily, lift 50-100+ lbs frequently, and live in remote backcountry for up to 12 weeks.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, there is no substitution of education for experience for this Wage Grade (WG) position.
Job from National Park Service
The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service manages 429 individual units, protecting thousands of years of history and millions of acres of wild land. Working at Sequoia and Kings Canyon means contributing to the stewardship of some of the tallest trees on Earth and the most spectacular mountain ranges in California. Employees here make a direct impact on the preservation of these lands for future generations.