Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL) - Animal Packer

Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Saguaro National Park

Summary

This position is located in Saguaro National Park, in the Facilities Management/Trails Division.

Career-Seasonal appointments are permanent positions and include the same benefits as Career appointments, but do not provide work on a year-round basis. You will be in a non-pay status for 1 pay period, to occur in mid/end December, and you will be in a pay status for the remainder of the year.

Hiring Manager Contact:
Jeff Gnann
jeff_gnann@nps.gov

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.

Clarification from the agency

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is open to U.S. citizens and nationals who meet all eligibility requirements, including permanent and exclusive residency within the defined vicinity of the field unit as described in this announcement. Under this authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply. Open to ICTAP/CTAP eligible applicants.

Duties

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL). See below under Additional Information for further eligibility guidance.

Major Duties:

Assembles and packages all types of cargo in neat, correct and compact arrangements and manties in a tight package that can be handled, carefully balanced, and packed aboard horses and mules. Packs a wide variety of cargo such as doors, bridge decking, culverts, cook stoves, refrigerators, furniture, boat motors, wheel barrows, bed springs and frames, electronic equipment, prefabricated pit toilets, roofing, explosives, hay and any other type of supplies and materials.
Loads and hitches packed supplies and equipment onto pack animals, balances and adjusts side packs and insures that pack saddles and varied or modified packs are not rubbing or otherwise in a position to cause injury to the pack stock or the cargo.
Provides professional grade care and handling of stock which includes grooming, shoeing, feeding, watering and caring for the medical needs such as administering shots and medication.
Maintains and repairs packing equipment such as ropes, halters, pack and riding saddles, cargo boxes, mantas, harnesses, leads, pigtails, slings and cargo ropes. Splices and weaves new rope accessories, sews various leather materials, etc., needed in packing assignments.
Leads strings of 6 to 9 pack animals, plus a lead horse, over the best self-chosen routes in rugged mountainous terrain, over rain or snow melt, swollen creeks and rivers, across snow pack areas up and down series of switchbacks, etc., to reach destinations without injury to self, pack stock or cargo.

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.
You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
You will be 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.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a current Class B (or higher), Commercial Driver's License within 90 days of hire.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Contracting Officers Representative Level 1 Certification and Wilderness First Responder Certification within 90 days of hire.
You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
You will 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 shift work.
You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to 7 nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.
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.

*Additional Requirements located under qualifications*

Qualifications

Requirements Continued...

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 year probationary during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will 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.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. 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.

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision (SCREEN OUT)
Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment
Technical practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
Knowledge of materials
Dexterity and safety
Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
Use of measuring instruments

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.

CTAP/ICTAP 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. Federal employees seeking I/CTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) - CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 - ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level & duty location.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Eligibility is limited to applicants who reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application. For this announcement, the local commuting area is the area from which individuals can reasonably commute to the duty station under normal conditions. The defined vicinity for this position is a 60 mile radius from the duty location (3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730. See the Required Documents section for information on how to verify current residence.

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.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Physical Demands: Incumbent frequently rides mules up to 15 miles in a day while guiding a pack string of up to 8 mules, occasionally riding up to 30 miles in a day, which requires the ability to walk, bend and ride for long hours. Incumbent is required to lift, carry, and secure awkward loads up to 100 lbs. (per side of mule) onto the sides of mules at or above chest height and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes. Incumbent must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations. While preparing loads is constantly required to bend, squat, twist, lift, and load loads onto trucks for transport. When performing trail maintenance incumbent will be required to do strenuous work with hand tools on steep slopes and the ability to walk up to 20 miles per day while carrying loads or leading multiple heads of stock. Position requires that the incumbent have good physical stamina and strength in arms, back and legs to perform these required tasks safely and efficiently.

Working Conditions: Incumbent will work at altitudes ranging from 2,500 up to 8,500 feet, in all extremes of weather from wind, rain, snow and extreme cold, to extreme hot, dry, and dusty. Temperatures range from 20 F to 120°F with sudden and extreme changes. There is danger of cuts, burns and hypothermia; danger of strained or pulled muscles due to the movement of animals while hitching or loading, shoeing, etc.; danger from animals crushing, striking, or biting. Incumbent is required to wear the official NPS uniform. Proper and required PPE will be provided.

Incumbent will lift, push, and pull loads frequently weighing in excess of 100 pounds on poor footing, and in awkward areas. Incumbent may be required to work with chainsaws and rock drills in dusty areas where visibility and breathing are compromised.

Incumbent may occasionally be required to work long hours while packing (up to 14 hours in a day). Incumbent may spend multiple nights in the backcountry camping with park stock in remote, outside environments. Packing operations may extend to locations outside Saguaro National Park which will require incumbent to travel for extended periods of time.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualification requirements for the position.

Upon receipt of a completed application package, the Servicing Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement.

Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages. Resumes longer than two pages will not be reviewed. Applicants may submit only one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine qualifications and eligibility. If more than one resume is submitted, only the most recent submission will be reviewed.

This position is being filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority. Under this authority, competitive rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply. The Servicing Human Resources Office will determine whether applicants meet the qualification and eligibility requirements described in this announcement. Applicants who meet these requirements may be referred to the selecting official on a certificate of eligibles for consideration.

Applicants must certify that they maintain a permanent and exclusive residence within the defined vicinity of the field unit(s) listed in this announcement.

You must provide RECENT (typically within 30-90 days) proof of residence (e.g. mortgage or property deed - must include name and address, lease/rental agreement - current and signed, utility bill, insurance policy or service statement - must include name and address).

If your resume is incomplete or does not demonstrate that you meet the qualification requirements or specialized experience described in this announcement, you may be determined ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.

Providing false or misleading information on your resume or supporting documentation may result in removal from consideration or other action consistent with applicable federal hiring regulations.

Your resume will be reviewed for evidence of the following competencies:

Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Dexterity and Safety
Knowledge of materials
Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic)
Use of Measuring Instruments

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/06/2026:

Two Page Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount qualified specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Proof of residence (e.g. mortgage or property deed, lease/rental agreement, utility bill, insurance policy). SF-50 cannot be accepted as proof of residence.
Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP) consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they exceed minimal qualifications for this position (i.e. Resume supports substantial possession of stated competencies) for the position.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.
Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/06/2026.

You must provide documentation to support your eligibility and qualification claims. Please review the required documentation listed in the eligibility sections to ensure you submit the appropriate information. You will only be considered for eligibilities for which you have provided the required supporting documentation.

Applications may be submitted through USAJOBS or through other authorized methods identified by the agency (e.g., third-party platforms or local outreach efforts) to support targeted recruitment under this authority.

Applicants submitting materials outside of USAJOBS must:

Ensure all materials are formatted and consistent with the application instructions outlined in this announcement, including resume requirements and supporting documentation.

All applications, regardless of submission method, will be evaluated using the same criteria and requirements to ensure a fair and equitable hiring process.

Applications that do not meet the requirements outlined in this announcement, will not be considered.

USAJOBS Application Instructions

Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to login or create an account.
Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application."
- Click here for USAJobs Help with "How to create an application"
- To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12976288
Select or add the resume you want to use for this application. Click here on how to build a resume in USAJOBS.
Select documents you want included in this application.
Review package to acknowledge your documents were reviewed.
Select if you want to include your demographic information.
After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site."
Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application.
Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown.
- Upload any missing required documents or optional documents.
Review and Submit Application.
While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position.
You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement.
- To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job.
- Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So it is important that you select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Agency contact information

Kelli Ward

Email: kelli_ward@ios.doi.gov

Address: Saguaro National Park
3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85715
US

Next steps

Once your Occupational Questionnaire has been received, you will receive an acknowledgment confirming your submission was successful.

Applicants who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under this authority, all applicants determined to be qualified may be referred. If your name is referred, you may be contacted directly by the hiring official for a possible interview.

You will be notified of the status of your application at key stages in the process, including when candidates are referred for consideration and when the selection process has been completed.

Field Unit Local Hiring Authority (FUL) - Animal Packer Job in Tucson, AZ