Launch Your Career: Become a Packer for the USDA Forest Service
Are you seeking a role that is physically engaging, logistically challenging, and essential to the conservation of our national forests? The USDA Forest Service is currently hiring Packers to support its mission for the 2027 season. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in precision, organization, and supporting field operations that protect the great outdoors.
Job Responsibilities
As a Packer, your daily duties are central to operational success. You will be responsible for:
- Kit Assembly: Organizing components according to strict National Fire Equipment System (NFES) standards.
- Material Handling: Packing delicate or heavy equipment using specialized containers to ensure safe transport.
- Hazardous Materials: Following rigorous federal guidelines for the storage and labeling of fuels and hazardous items.
- Refurbishment: Cleaning, repairing, and reassembling tools and protective gear to extend their lifecycle.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Packing
| Feature | Standard Packing | Specialized NFES Packing |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Simple | High (Kit-based) |
| Materials | Standard boxes | Reinforced containers |
| Compliance | General shipping | Strict federal/international |
| Goal | Storage | Immediate field readiness |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older. You must pass a background check and comply with direct deposit requirements. Accuracy in your application is non-negotiable, particularly regarding the two-page resume limit.
Salary Overview
Positions are classified under the Federal Wage System, offering competitive hourly pay ranging from $21.69 to $27.84. Your specific rate will depend on the cost-of-living index of your selected duty location.
Benefits
- Gain specialized federal logistics experience.
- Participate in critical, mission-oriented work.
- Competitive federal pay and potential for future hiring opportunities.
Application Tips
Do not underestimate the importance of formatting. Because the system is strict about the two-page limit, focus on highlighting your most relevant experience. Ensure all documents are uploaded in common formats like PDF or Word and check that they are clearly readable.
Serving as a Forest Service Packer is more than just a job; it is a vital contribution to national infrastructure. If you are detail-oriented and ready to support the men and women on the front lines of forest management, apply today.
Why This Packer Job Matters
Join the USDA Forest Service as a Packer and play a vital role in protecting our nation's forests by managing the supply chains that keep our field crews equipped and ready for action.
Packer Job Overview
The USDA Forest Service is seeking dedicated individuals to join as Packers for the 2027 seasonal hiring period. In this role, you will be an essential part of the logistics chain, responsible for assembling, inventorying, and refurbishing vital equipment kits. Whether you are preparing gear for remote air-drops, managing hazardous materials, or refurbishing fire suppression tools, your work directly supports the agency's mission to manage and preserve 193 million acres of public land.
Requirements for 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.
- Ability to successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation or fingerprint check.
- Required to have federal payments made via direct deposit.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Packer
- Demonstrated ability to perform manual tasks with accuracy and minimal supervision.
- Experience in technical practices, including using precise measuring instruments and maintaining specialized equipment.
- Familiarity with interpreting non-blueprint instructions, specifications, and packing lists.
- Prior experience in material handling, warehouse logistics, or equipment maintenance.
- Knowledge of safety protocols regarding hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay rates.
- ✓Valuable experience working with a premier federal land management agency.
- ✓Exposure to National Fire Equipment System (NFES) standards.
- ✓Opportunity to participate in large-scale logistics operations.
- ✓Direct deposit payroll and federal employment protections.
💡 How to Apply Packer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Packer Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting relevant experience and hours worked per week.
- Click the 'Apply' button to access the agency’s staffing portal.
- Complete the Assessment Questionnaire and upload your resume and any required transcripts.
- Verify that your uploaded documents appear correctly in the system and are under 5MB.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be disqualified.
- Include specific details about your experience, such as dates, hours worked, and specific technical skills related to packing or logistics.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
- Check your USAJOBS profile to ensure you have enabled email notifications regarding your application status.
- Label all documents clearly and ensure they are in accepted formats like PDF or TXT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected start date for this position?
The anticipated start date for this seasonal position falls between April 18, 2027, and June 13, 2027.
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary appointment intended to be filled for up to 6 months, though it may be extended up to one year depending on agency needs.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the announcement guidelines, applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.
Job from Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of land across the United States. From research and technology development to the maintenance of critical fire suppression kits, the agency provides the tools and resources necessary for land management. By joining as a Packer, you become part of an infrastructure that ensures our crews are always equipped to face the challenges of the wild.