Animal Packer (Trails) (Seasonal)

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

Job summary

The National Park Service in Washington state seeks a seasonal Animal Packer WG-08 to support backcountry packing operations Apr–Oct. Duties include assembling cargo, packing on horses/mules, and loading varied supplies in all weather. Expect several weeks in primitive backcountry locations and sensitive PPE use.

Incumbent must handle loads up to 150 lbs with teamwork and safe techniques. Open to current Federal Wage System candidates; two openings available.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist backcountry packing operations and cargo handling.
• Assemble and package cargo for loading onto animals.
• Load diverse supplies by hand, maintaining balance and securement.
• Ride horseback and move loads over uneven terrain.
• Follow PPE guidelines and work in varied weather conditions.

Skills

Physical stamina

Horseback handling

Heavy lifting

Teamwork

Job description

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.

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 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.

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.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

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