Embark on a Career in the Wilderness: Becoming a USDA Forest Service Animal Packer

Are you looking to trade the office desk for the open trail? The USDA Forest Service is seeking skilled and passionate individuals to serve as Animal Packers for the 2027 season. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation of our nation's wild places while working closely with horses and mules in rugged, breathtaking landscapes.

About the Agency: The USDA Forest Service

The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for present and future generations. Animal Packers are the backbone of this mission in remote areas, providing the logistical support needed to maintain trails, conduct research, and protect forest resources in locations that motorized vehicles cannot reach.

Job Responsibilities

As an Animal Packer, your daily life will be active and varied. Key responsibilities include:

Backcountry Logistics: Packing and balancing essential supplies and tools on pack saddles for long-distance transport.
Animal Care: Providing daily grooming, feeding, and medical attention for horses and mules.
Trail Maintenance: Assisting with physical tasks such as trail clearing, fence repair, and corral upkeep.
Navigation: Leading pack strings through mountainous terrain while ensuring the safety of the animals and the integrity of the cargo.
Operational Support: Managing trailer loading and unloading, and operating heavy-duty trucks to transport stock to trailheads.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate:

Age and Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.
Physical Fitness: The capacity to perform demanding manual labor in remote wilderness settings.
Experience: Proficiency in handling pack animals and rigging loads.
Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background check and willingness to adhere to federal hiring regulations.

Skills Comparison Table

Skill Category	Key Competency
Animal Husbandry	Grooming, Feeding, Medical Care
Packing/Logistics	Load Balancing, Rigging, Navigation
Infrastructure	Fence Repair, Trail Clearing, Maintenance
Technical	Heavy Truck/Trailer Operation, Safety Protocol

Salary and Benefits

Animal Packers are compensated at a rate of $20.82 per hour. While this is a temporary appointment (typically lasting up to six months or one year), the experience gained working for a federal land management agency is invaluable for those looking to build a career in conservation, wildlife management, or outdoor recreation.

Application Tips for Success

The Two-Page Rule: Federal resumes are different from private-sector resumes. Keep yours strictly under two pages, focusing on relevant livestock and backcountry experience.
Quantify Your Work: When describing your experience, include how many hours per week you worked and the specific types of tasks you performed.
Tailor Your Content: Ensure your resume clearly addresses the duties mentioned in the announcement, specifically manual labor and animal handling.
Proofread: Small errors can result in disqualification. Use the provided checklist in the official announcement to ensure your package is complete.

Working as an Animal Packer with the USDA Forest Service is a rewarding way to spend your season. If you are comfortable working in the backcountry, have a background in livestock handling, and want to support the preservation of our national forests, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey today by ensuring your documentation is ready and submitting your application before the closing date.

Why This Animal Packer Job Matters

Combine your love for the outdoors with a vital conservation mission as an Animal Packer for the USDA Forest Service.

Animal Packer Job Overview

The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team for the upcoming field season. As an Animal Packer, you will play a crucial role in supporting backcountry operations by transporting essential supplies, equipment, and tools via horse and mule teams. This role is perfect for those who are physically fit, have experience in livestock handling, and thrive in rugged, outdoor environments. You will be responsible for the well-being of the animals, the security of the cargo, and the maintenance of wilderness infrastructure, ensuring our remote teams can continue their important work protecting national forest lands.

Requirements for Animal Packer

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service or be exempt.
Subject to a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Must maintain eligibility for direct deposit of federal salary payments.
Resume must not exceed two pages; excess length will result in removal from consideration.
Ability to work in remote, rugged mountainous terrain under varying conditions.

Preferred Qualifications for Animal Packer

Proven proficiency in packing and balancing loads on pack saddles.
Experience with the handling, grooming, feeding, and medical care of horses and mules.
Ability to operate and maneuver heavy-duty trucks and horse trailers.
Technical knowledge of tack maintenance and rigging techniques.
Experience with manual labor tasks related to trail maintenance and corral repair.
Strong navigation skills in backcountry or wilderness environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Opportunity to work in iconic National Forest landscapes.
✓Hands-on experience in natural resource management.
✓Valuable training in specialized backcountry logistical operations.
✓Exposure to diverse environmental and forestry projects.
✓Public service career growth opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Animal Packer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Animal Packer Job

Review the full announcement on the official federal portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit, highlighting relevant experience and hours worked.
Create or update your profile on the application website.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts if applicable, in an accepted format (PDF, TXT, DOC, etc.).
Submit your application electronically before the closing date at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Monitor your application status through your online profile.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; double-check your formatting before submitting.
Be specific about your livestock experience; quantify your hours and types of animals handled.
Use the provided online resources to familiarize yourself with the federal resume style.
Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and not encrypted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is housing provided for these positions?

Availability of government housing varies significantly by location and cannot be guaranteed. You should research the specific duty location if selected.

Can I apply if I have no formal education in forestry?

Yes, this position focuses on your ability to perform the work, specifically livestock handling and packing. While relevant experience is key, there is no substitution of education for this position.

Will I be working in one location or traveling?

This position is a duty-stationed role; however, you may be working across various parts of a National Forest, including remote backcountry locations, depending on the assigned project.

What is the physical demand of this role?

*A: It is high. You will be working in mountainous terrain, carrying loads, and handling large animals daily.*

How do I prove my experience?

*A: Your resume must clearly list your duties, the dates of your experience, and the specific organizations you worked for.*