Animal Caretaker (Packer Helper) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; Port Angeles (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Park Service currently seeks an Animal Caretaker (Packer Helper) (Seasonal) in Port Angeles, WA. The season is up to six months, typically Apr–Oct, with start around April–May 2027.

Pay ranges from $27.96 to $32.61 per hour, with a Fed Transition hiring path. Responsibilities include assisting with backcountry packing operations, assembling cargo for pack animals, and performing physically demanding duties in rugged outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to backcountry operation, specifically packing operations.
• Assist Lead Animal Caretaker in performing duties and responsibilities.
• Learn packing phases through on-the-job training from experienced Animal Packers.
• Assemble and package all types of cargo in neat, correct and compact arrangements for loading onto horses and mules.
• Assist with packing a wide variety of cargo (e.g., lumber, doors, bridge decking, cook stoves, food, refrigerators, furniture, gear).
• Maintain good coordination and endurance for hiking, leading pack strings and operating vehicles, tools and power/hand tools.
• Lift, push, pull and carry items weighing up to 70 pounds; may lift up to 100 pounds.
• Walk up to 20 miles per day on steep and rough trails.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions from sea level to 8000 feet; rugged terrain; hazards include falls and wildlife.
• Spend up to eight consecutive nights camping in remote backcountry settings.

Job description

Animal Caretaker (Packer Helper) (Seasonal)

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 30 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

Key Responsibilities

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 Lead Animal Caretaker 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 other experienced Animal Packers. Under the supervison of journeyman packers, assembles and packages all types of cargo in neat, correct and compact arrangements and mantie 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 Physical Effort: The incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for hiking, leading of pack string and operation of vehicles, equipment and power/hand tools.

The incumbent will be subjected to some degree of strain when operating vehicles, tools and equipment for extended periods of time over rough surfaces and uneven grades. The incumbent frequently lifts, pushes, pulls and carries items weighing 70 pounds. On occasion, the incumbent may lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 100 pounds. The incumbent may be required to walk up to 20 miles per day, over steep and/or rough trails.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in elevation ranges from sea level to 8000 feet. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind and extreme temperatures (hot/cold). Terrain is often rugged and steep with unsure footing. Hazards include falling limbs/trees/rocks, rough terrain, snow slides and unpredictable interaction with stock animals. Work requires strenuous hiking and physical effort in the management of stock animals.

Incumbent will be required to spend up to eight consecutive nights camping in a remote backcountry setting.

Requirements & Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $27.96 – $32.61/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-21 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov