Embark on a Career as an Animal Packer with the U.S. Forest Service

If you have a deep respect for the outdoors, experience with equine handling, and a desire to serve the nation’s public lands, the position of Animal Packer with the U.S. Forest Service may be your perfect match. This role is far from a desk job; it is a vital, hands-on position that keeps our national forests accessible and well-maintained.

Job Responsibilities

As an Animal Packer, your primary duties involve the care and operation of pack animals. You will:

Pack and Transport: Safely load food, tools (such as chainsaws and drills), and construction materials for trail and resource crews.
Equine Care: Provide daily care, including grooming, feeding, and shoeing horses and mules.
Medical Support: Act as a first responder for animals, administering wound care and vaccinations.
Facilities Management: Maintain fences, irrigation, and stock facilities.
Equipment Operation: Haul trailers and heavy equipment over rugged mountain terrain.

Comparison of Key Duties

Duty Area	Key Activity
Animal Care	Shoeing, feeding, medical care
Logistics	Packing gear for trail and fire crews
Maintenance	Fencing and pasture management
Transportation	Driving stock trailers and trucks

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older. You must possess a valid driver’s license and be prepared for a background check. Because this is a federal role, compliance with E-Verify and direct deposit protocols is mandatory.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive wage, with a range of $22.36 to $28.51 per hour, depending on the specific location and pay scale adjustments.

Benefits

Employees enjoy federal service benefits, including the opportunity to gain specialized skills in animal management, wilderness logistics, and land stewardship, all while working in some of America's most beautiful natural environments.

Application Tips

Watch the Resume Length: Keep your document strictly under two pages.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and proof of experience are clear and legible.
Deadlines: Submit your application through the portal well before the deadline.

Serving as an Animal Packer is an exceptional way to contribute to the preservation of our wilderness. If you are prepared for the rigors of mountain work and the rewards of public service, we encourage you to review the application requirements and submit your materials today.

Why This Animal Packer Job Matters

Combine your passion for the outdoors with specialized animal care as a Forest Service Animal Packer, supporting critical conservation and wilderness missions across the nation.

Animal Packer Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking skilled individuals to join our team as Animal Packers. In this role, you will provide essential support to trail crews and resource teams by managing, training, and packing horses and mules in rugged mountain environments. You will be responsible for the welfare of the stock, including feeding, shoeing, and first aid, while operating specialized equipment to transport supplies to remote areas. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in maintaining our public lands and supporting diverse wilderness projects.

Requirements for Animal Packer

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must successfully pass a background investigation or fingerprint check.
Must comply with direct deposit requirements for federal salary payments.
Must pass the E-Verify employment verification process.

Preferred Qualifications for Animal Packer

Demonstrated experience in packing horses and mules in rugged terrain.
Proficiency in shoeing and providing first aid/veterinary care to pack animals.
Experience in operating ranch and trail equipment such as tractors and trailers.
Ability to build balanced, secure loads using diverse rigging techniques.
Experience in fence maintenance, pasture management, and irrigation practices.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly federal pay.
✓Opportunity to work in diverse National Forest settings.
✓Professional development in wilderness management and animal care.
✓Direct deposit and federal employment protections.

💡 How to Apply Animal Packer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Animal Packer Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting relevant experience.
Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Click 'Apply' to complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, ensuring they are under 5MB.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure your document formats are compatible (PDF, DOC, TXT, etc.) and not encrypted.
Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, if applicable) are attached.
Use your USAJOBS account to track your application status throughout the process.
Submit your materials well before the deadline to account for potential system delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of an Animal Packer?

Animal Packers are responsible for the daily care, training, and packing of horses and mules used to transport equipment, food, and construction materials to remote trail and wilderness sites.

Are multiple locations available for this position?

Yes, this announcement covers numerous duty stations across various U.S. states. You may select your preferred location during the application process.

What is the maximum resume length?

Your resume must not exceed two pages; applications with longer resumes will be removed from consideration.

Is housing provided?

*A: Availability of government housing varies significantly by duty location.*

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

*A: This specific position requires U.S. citizenship.*

Job from Forest Service

The Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, manages 193 million acres of National Forest and Grassland. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests to meet the needs of present and future generations. Becoming a member of our team means joining a tradition of stewardship, research, and public service.