Job Description
Summary
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: April 20, 2026
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Duties
For more information and tips on writing a federal resume, watch this 5 minute video.
These positions are within the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection. The primary responsibility of these positions is to provide assistance to park-wide packing operations. 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 WG-8 Animal Packer's guidance, the incumbent will assist the Animal Packer WG-8 in performing all aspects of his/her duties and responsibilities including assembling, packaging, balancing, and securing supplies and a wide variety of cargo onto pack animals. Helps lead loaded animals to remote backcountry locations and shares in responsibility of caring for and maintaining packing equipment.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Depending on location, government housing may be available.
• You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• If selected for a position/location required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
• Ability to Do the Job Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Technical Practices
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.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Click here for the Federal Wage Schedule Website to calculate location specific pay.
This job opportunity announcement will be used to fill one or more additional selections at anytime without notification.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Physical Effort: Positions involve walking, bending, riding horses for long hours in high altitudes. Selectees will be required to lift, carry and secure awkward loads (often heavy up to 100 lbs) onto the sides of animals at or above chest height, and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes. Selectees must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations with little room to maneuver. While preparing loads, selectees are constantly required to bend, squat, twist, lift and fasten down loads. Positions require good physical stamina and strength in arms, back and legs to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
Working Conditions: The incumbents work outdoors in all weather extremes and must be able to sustain themselves in these conditions. The incumbents will be exposed to the possibility of broken bones, cuts, bruises, strained and wrenched muscles, burns from ropes, insect bites, and the danger of animals striking, kicking, or crushing.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.
Read more
• Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 821+0
US
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: April 20, 2026
Learn more about this agency
Help
Duties
For more information and tips on writing a federal resume, watch this 5 minute video.
These positions are within the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection. The primary responsibility of these positions is to provide assistance to park-wide packing operations. 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 WG-8 Animal Packer's guidance, the incumbent will assist the Animal Packer WG-8 in performing all aspects of his/her duties and responsibilities including assembling, packaging, balancing, and securing supplies and a wide variety of cargo onto pack animals. Helps lead loaded animals to remote backcountry locations and shares in responsibility of caring for and maintaining packing equipment.
Help
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• Depending on location, government housing may be available.
• You may be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and/or shift work.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home occasionally.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• If selected for a position/location required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:
• Ability to Do the Job Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc.
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Technical Practices
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.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
Click here for the Federal Wage Schedule Website to calculate location specific pay.
This job opportunity announcement will be used to fill one or more additional selections at anytime without notification.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1040 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1040 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1040 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1040 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1040 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Physical Effort: Positions involve walking, bending, riding horses for long hours in high altitudes. Selectees will be required to lift, carry and secure awkward loads (often heavy up to 100 lbs) onto the sides of animals at or above chest height, and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes. Selectees must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations with little room to maneuver. While preparing loads, selectees are constantly required to bend, squat, twist, lift and fasten down loads. Positions require good physical stamina and strength in arms, back and legs to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
Working Conditions: The incumbents work outdoors in all weather extremes and must be able to sustain themselves in these conditions. The incumbents will be exposed to the possibility of broken bones, cuts, bruises, strained and wrenched muscles, burns from ropes, insect bites, and the danger of animals striking, kicking, or crushing.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.
Read more
• Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 821+0
US
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Animal Packer position is now open for candidates interested in the Helper Jobs sector. This role in Montana City offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Helper Jobs is a plus.
