Become an Animal Packer with the USDA Forest Service
Are you looking for a career that takes you off the beaten path? The USDA Forest Service is seeking skilled individuals for the position of Animal Packer. This unique role combines traditional horsemanship and mule packing with modern wilderness conservation, ensuring our National Forests remain accessible and well-maintained.
Job Responsibilities
As an Animal Packer, your daily duties are centered around the welfare of pack stock and the successful transport of equipment. Key responsibilities include:
- Load Management: Selecting appropriate gear and balancing loads using manty, box, or diamond hitches.
- Field Support: Transporting food, tools (such as chainsaws and rock drills), and construction materials for trail crews.
- Stock Care: Grooming, feeding, and providing medical aid to horses and mules, including acting as a first responder for the animals.
- Facility Maintenance: Building fences, managing irrigation for pastures, and maintaining stock equipment.
- Mentorship: Teaching stock safety classes and leading volunteer groups or interns.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all applicants.
- Driver’s License: A valid state-issued license is mandatory for driving government stock trailers.
- Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and pass a background investigation.
- Documentation: A two-page resume is strictly required to be considered.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive wage, starting at $23.89 to $26.89 per hour. Because this is a national announcement with multiple locations, actual pay rates may vary depending on the local cost of living and specific geographic location.
Comparison: Traditional Packing vs. Modern Requirements
| Feature | Traditional Approach | Modern Forest Service Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Load Security | Basic ropes/knots | Precise hitches (Diamond, Box) |
| Safety | Minimal | Wilderness First Responder Standards |
| Equipment | Hand tools | Chainsaws, Power drills, Specialized survey gear |
| Documentation | None | Electronic reports & safety logs |
Benefits
While this is a temporary appointment, the benefits go beyond the paycheck. You will gain invaluable field experience, build a professional network within the Department of Agriculture, and develop a set of skills—ranging from wilderness survival to heavy equipment operation—that are highly transferable to careers in conservation and resource management.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit. Excessive length results in automatic disqualification.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly describe your work with animals, including the types of stock you have managed and specific packing hitches you are proficient in.
- Check Your Status: Ensure email notifications are enabled in your USAJOBS account so you do not miss communications regarding your application status.
- Formatting: Use standard, readable file formats like PDF or TXT when uploading your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the expected start date for this role? A: For the 2027 season, start dates are projected between April 18 and June 13, 2027.
Q: Is this a permanent position? A: No, this is a temporary appointment, typically lasting up to six months, with potential for extension based on funding and work requirements.
Q: Can I request a specific location? A: You will have the opportunity to select preferred locations during the application process. Multiple sites across the U.S. are available.
Working as an Animal Packer with the Forest Service is more than just a job; it is a vital service to our public lands. If you have the required dedication and experience with pack stock, we encourage you to submit your application and embark on a rewarding wilderness journey.
Why This Animal Packer Job Matters
Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career by joining the U.S. Forest Service as an Animal Packer and support our nation's most magnificent landscapes.
Animal Packer Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals for the Animal Packer role to manage and transport essential equipment and supplies into backcountry wilderness areas using pack stock, such as horses and mules. This position is vital for supporting trail crews, firefighting efforts, and ecological resource management in various National Forests across the country. You will work in rugged, remote environments, ensuring the safety of animals and humans while maintaining stock facilities and providing specialized pack support.
Requirements for Animal Packer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Successful adjudication of a background investigation/fingerprint check.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to perform duties without more than normal supervision.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Animal Packer
- Experience in wilderness pack work and animal husbandry.
- Proficiency in tying various hitches (e.g., diamond, box, sling).
- Expertise in fitting and maintaining pack saddles and riding harnesses.
- Knowledge of wilderness first aid for pack animals.
- Experience operating heavy ranch equipment or driving large stock trailers.
- Ability to teach and provide instruction to interns or volunteers.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Gain unique, hands-on experience in wilderness management.
- ✓Opportunity to work in diverse, scenic landscapes across the U.S.
- ✓Exposure to Federal government career paths and networking.
- ✓Contribution to national conservation and fire prevention efforts.
💡 How to Apply Animal Packer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Animal Packer Job
- Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages.
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Complete the Assessment Questionnaire.
- Upload required documents, including transcripts if applicable, in an accepted format (max 5MB).
- Submit your application package before 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Read the full job announcement carefully before beginning your application.
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects your experience related to the major duties.
- Verify that your uploaded documents appear correctly in the staffing system.
- Contact the HR help line early if you encounter technical hardships.
- Turn on email notifications in your profile to stay updated on your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?
Yes, this announcement is open to the public.
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a temporary position, typically filled for up to six months, with expected start dates between April and June 2027.
Is government housing provided?
Availability of government housing varies significantly by duty location.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of public land. From fire suppression support to trail maintenance and scientific research, the agency relies on the expertise of Animal Packers to navigate terrain that vehicles simply cannot reach. By joining this team, you are helping to care for the nation's most magnificent landscapes.