Embark on a Career as an Animal Packer with the U.S. Forest Service
If you have a deep passion for horses, mules, and the preservation of America's rugged wilderness, a role as an Animal Packer with the U.S. Forest Service might be your dream career. This position offers a unique blend of animal husbandry, technical skill, and wilderness exploration that few other jobs can match.
Job Responsibilities
As an Animal Packer, you are the backbone of logistics in the backcountry. Your daily responsibilities go far beyond simple animal care:
- Stock Management: Selecting, fitting, and maintaining saddles and work harnesses for a string of pack animals.
- Supply Transport: Loading and transporting food, tents, chainsaws, explosives, and construction materials into remote wilderness areas.
- Operational Support: Providing essential logistics for fire crews, including water, tools, and fuel.
- Wilderness Maintenance: Ensuring 'Leave-No-Trace' standards while living and working in remote camps for up to 10 days at a time.
- Mentorship: Training interns, volunteers, and other crew members on safe practices when working around pack animals.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Experience: Applicants must demonstrate technical ability in packing and stock management through clear, descriptive resume entries.
- Documentation: A valid driver's license is mandatory. Additionally, applicants must provide transcripts if education is part of their qualifying background.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hourly Pay | $27.12 per hour |
| Appointment Type | Temporary (Seasonal) |
| Duration | Up to 6-12 months |
| Job Schedule | Full-time |
Application Tips
The application process for federal positions is highly competitive. Follow these steps to improve your chances:
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit are automatically excluded.
- Be Specific: Detail your specific animal handling techniques and the types of equipment you have operated.
- Use the Portal: All documents must be uploaded correctly via the USAJOBS system before the deadline.
Working as an Animal Packer is not just a job; it is a commitment to the wild places that define our nation. If you possess the physical endurance, the technical aptitude for handling livestock, and the desire to work in America's most magnificent landscapes, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Animal Packer Job Matters
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime: Combine your passion for horsemanship, wilderness conservation, and physical challenge as an Animal Packer with the U.S. Forest Service.
Animal Packer Job Overview
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking dedicated Animal Packers to support vital backcountry operations. In this role, you will use horses and mules to transport essential supplies, equipment, and construction materials into remote wilderness areas, ensuring that fire crews and resource teams have the support they need to maintain our nation's forests. This is a temporary, highly hands-on position perfect for individuals who thrive in outdoor, rugged environments and have a deep respect for animal welfare and wilderness stewardship.
Requirements for Animal Packer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
- Successfully pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
- Ability to work in remote, unpredictable wilderness locations.
- Consent to a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Agree to receive salary via direct deposit.
Preferred Qualifications for Animal Packer
- Experience in packing horses and mules in backcountry terrain.
- Demonstrated ability to select, maintain, and fit various saddles and harnesses.
- Knowledge of wilderness first aid for pack animals.
- Experience in ranch and pasture management, including fence building and irrigation.
- Proficiency in operating heavy equipment, including tractors and stock trailers.
- Experience in teaching stock safety and packing clinics.
- Capability to perform tasks with minimal supervision in demanding environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly wage
- ✓Unique experience working in National Forest backcountry
- ✓Contribution to national conservation efforts
- ✓Development of specialized animal handling and wilderness skills
- ✓Exposure to federal land management practices
💡 How to Apply Animal Packer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Animal Packer Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Register for a USAJOBS account and complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts if applicable, in an accepted format (PDF, Word, etc.).
- Verify that your uploaded documents have successfully transferred to the agency's internal staffing system.
- Submit your complete application package electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding two pages will automatically disqualify you.
- Focus your resume on the specific duties listed in the announcement, ensuring you detail hours worked per week and dates of employment.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in standard, readable formats.
- Review your application thoroughly for accuracy; inflated claims can result in lower ratings or ineligibility.
- Check your USAJOBS profile to ensure email notifications are enabled so you receive status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in any of the listed locations?
Yes, by selecting 'Location Negotiable' you express your willingness to be considered for the various duty stations across the country where these vacancies exist.
What happens if I forget to submit a document?
Incomplete application packages or failure to submit required, legible documentation by the deadline will result in a loss of consideration for the position.
Is this a permanent job?
No, this is a temporary appointment (up to 6 to 12 months) based on seasonal work requirements, funding, and workload.
What is the expected start date?
For the 2027 season, start dates are anticipated between April and June 2027.
Are housing and childcare provided?
Availability varies significantly by duty station. Prospective employees should confirm availability upon selection.
Job from Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, is tasked with the stewardship of over 193 million acres of National Forest and Grassland. From scientific research to fire suppression and recreation, the agency is committed to ensuring the health and sustainability of our national landscapes for future generations.