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Packer

Position Description

Duties

  • Packs supplies/equipment to backcountry locations by horse or mule.
  • Loads animals in various types of vehicles for transport.
  • Packages and transports, supplies/equipment such as foodstuff, water, salt, hand tools, sleeping bags, crew gear, etc.
  • Loads and hitches packaged supplies and equipment onto the pack animals, balances and adjust side packs, and ensures that packsaddles or side packs are not rubbing or otherwise in position to cause injury to the pack animal or cargo.
  • Provides full handling and care of stock which includes the normal functions of grooming, shoeing, feeding, and watering, and in addition cares of the medical needs of assigned stock which involves the “doctoring” of sick and injured animals for minor medical needs such as bruises, cuts, sores, etc.
  • Maintains pack equipment in good repair (e.g. ropes, halters, pack and riding saddles, cargo boxes, manties, harness, lead, pigtails, sling, and cargo ropes).
  • Splices and weaves new rope accessories needed in packing assignments.
  • Leads pack animals over best route in rugged mountainous terrain to reach the assigned destination without injury to cargo or stock.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Skilled in riding animals and leading pack animals.
  • Knowledge of basic animal medical care.
  • Skill in backcountry animal packing (loads, hitches, etc.).
  • Skill in pack and stock care/wrangling.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200