These positions may be filled for a six month seasonal period, but can be vary due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2026. For more park(s) information, please visit find a park.
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability to do the work of an Animal Packer without more than normal supervision (SCREEN OUT) Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Dexterity and Safety Use and Maintain Tools If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special prior­ity selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Responsible for assisting in the packing and handling of a string of stock from one to six horses, mules or llamas to transport equipment and supplies for trail maintenance crews and other Park Divisions, including Search and Rescue, working in the backcountry. Perform routine maintenance on barn operation facilities including daily cleaning of corrals and minor repairs to structures and is responsible for the day-to-day care and feeding of the animals. Assist with the inspections of all assigned equipment and vehicles on a regular, recurring basis to ensure proper and safe working conditions. May be required to perform maintenance on front and backcountry trails, keeping the trail corridors free from hazards. Work involves moving heavy objects and riding horses over step mountainous terrain. When not performing packer duties, employee will work directly with a wilderness trail crew performing trail maintenance and (re)construction duties. Physical Demands: Incumbent frequently rides horses up to 15 miles in a day while assisting the full performance animal packer in guiding a pack of string of up to 8 animals, occasionally riding up to 30 miles in a day, which requires the ability to walk, bend and ride on horseback for long hours. Incumbent may also be required to lead a llama string up to 20 miles in a day. Required to lift, carry, and secure awkward loads up to 100 pounds onto the sides of animals at or above crest height and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes. Incumbent must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations. While preparing loads, is constantly required to bend, squat, twist, lift and load loads onto trucks for transport. When performing trail maintenance; incumbent will be required to do strenuous work with hand tools on steep slopes and the ability to walk up to 20 miles per day while carrying loads or leading multiple heads of stock. May occasionally hike up to 5 miles (may be over difficult terrain.) Position requires that the incumbent have good physical stamina and strength in arms, back and legs to perform these required tasks safely and efficiently. Working Conditions: Incumbent will work at altitudes ranging from 7,500 up to 13,000 feet, in all extremes of weather from wind, rain, snow and extreme cold, to hot, dry, and dusty. Temperatures range from -20 F to 95 F with sudden and extreme changes. There is danger of cuts, burns and hypothermia; danger of strained or pulled muscles due to the movement of animals while hitching or loading, shoeing, etc., danger from animals crushing, striking, or biting. Incumbent is required to wear the official NPS uniform. Proper and required PPE will be provided. Incumbent will lift, push, and pull loads frequently weighing in excess of 100 pounds on poor footing, and awkward areas. Incumbent may be required to work with chainsaws and rock drills in dusty areas where visibility and breathing are compromised. Incumbent may occasionally be required to work long hours while packing (up to 14 hours in a day). Incumbent may spend multiple nights in the backcountry camping with park stock in remote, outside environments.