JOB SUMMARY: The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April-May but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: May 2025. These positions are located at North Cascades National Park. MAJOR DUTIES: The primary responsibility of this position is to provide assistance to backcountry operation specifically, packing operations. Incumbent will assist the district Animal Packer 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, prefabricated pit toilets, roofing, explosives, hay and any other type of supplies and materials. Helps lead loaded pack animals to remote backcountry locations. Maintain packing equipment in good repair such as ropes, halters, pack and riding saddles, cargo boxes, mantles, harnesses, leads, pigtails, slings, and cargo ropes. Splices and weaves new rope accessories, sews various leather materials, etc. needed in packing assignments. Physical Demands: 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. 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. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
