Animal Packer (WG-5) – California Forests

Forest Service stock programs in California are hiring animal packers for 2027 at Bishop, Fort Jones, Prather and Sonora. The job is packing and balancing supplies, tools and equipment onto pack animals, then riding and leading them through mountain terrain. You also load and tow animals by truck and trailer, feed, groom and give basic medical care to stock, maintain tack and facilities, and pitch in on trail maintenance and reconstruction. Education cannot replace experience, and you must be 18 or older and willing to work in remote locations. Start dates fall between April 18 and June 13, 2027, on a temporary appointment of up to 6 months or a year. Pay is $21.18 to $26.68 an hour depending on location; government housing varies and relocation is not reimbursed. Apply on USAJOBS by 11/12/2026, and keep your resume to two pages or you will be removed from consideration.