The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Oct but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2027. Open to the first 45 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.
Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: The primary responsibility of this position is to provide assistance to backcountry operation specifically, packing operations. Incumbent will assist the district Animal Packer WG-08 in performing all aspects of his/her duties and responsibilities.
Incumbent acquires the knowledge and skills of various phases of packing through on-the-job training and instruction by the district or other experienced Animal Packers. Under the Animal Packer's guidance, assembles and packages all types of cargo in neat, correct and compact arrangements and mantle in a tight package that can be handled, carefully balanced, loaded and hitched aboard horses and mules.
Assists with the packing of a wide variety of cargo such as lumber, doors, bridge decking, culverts, cook stoves, food, refrigerators, furniture, steel pipe, boat motors, wheelbarrows, bed springs and frames, electronic equipment, pre-fabricated pit toilets, roofing, explosives, hay and any other type of supplies and materials. Physical Effort: Requires good physical stamina and strength in arms, back and legs to perform required tasks safely and efficiently.
Involves walking, bending, riding horseback for long hours. Requires lifting, carrying and securing awkward loads onto the sides of animals at or above check height and the use of arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes. Must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky or other poor footing situations.
Incumbent is also required to bend, squat, twist, lift and load while preparing loads, lifting loads onto truck for transport, daily feeding, and showing. The incumbent routinely lifts, pushes, pulls and carries items weighing more than 50 lbs. individually, and up to 150 lbs. as a working team member. Working Conditions: Works at high altitudes in all extremes of weather, from wind, rain, snow and extreme cold, to hot, dry, and dusty.
At times is required to live in primitive backcountry locations for up to ten days. Supplies own food and provides for personal needs. Also works in barn and shop environments. There is danger of cuts, burns and hypothermia; danger of strained or wrenched muscles due to the movement of animals while hitching or loading, shoeing, etc.; danger from animals crushing, striking, or biting.
Certain tasks required the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) sch as gloves, chainsaw chaps, safety boots, and vests, hearing and eye protection, and hard hats.
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.
This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $27.96 – $32.61/hr.
Applications close on 2026-10-26.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-19 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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