Animal Packer (Fire Support)

This position is assigned to the Pacific Southwest Region, Region 5. This position is responsible for packing supplies and equipment to backcountry locations by horse or mule. This position is also responsible for the complete care of the stock and ranch and pasture management. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.gov or Deidre.cherry at Deidre.cherry@usda.gov.

Packs on horses or mules; trail crews and equipment such as food, tents, and various tools such as crosscut saws, chainsaws, rock drills, rock bars, explosives, grip hoists, wheelbarrows and sleds.

Packs construction materials such as poles, cables, lumber, sand, gravel and bridge materials.

Arranges animals and pack loads in the proper order when putting a string of animals together. Builds balanced loads using pack bags, slings, boxes, manty loads with sling ropes, pack racks, etc.

Ties multiple types of hitches using sawbuck, decker, and Salmon River saddles.

Properly fits all types of riding saddles, pack saddles, and work harnesses to mules and horses.

Pulls up to 24 foot gooseneck stock trailer and bumper-pull stock trailers to safely haul up to 8 head of stock on rugged mountain roads.

Acts as “Wilderness First Responder” for the animals, providing first aid as needed including administering shots and wound care.

Must be able to dispatch a horse or mule if necessary; safe use of restraints for doctoring, shoeing, training, or containment purposes.

Responsible for ranch and pasture management including the design, building, maintenance, and safety inspections of stock facilities.

Trains firefighters, trail crews, wilderness rangers, and volunteer groups how to work safely around pack stock.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license to operate motor vehicles before entry on duty. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.