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HORSEMANSHIP AND ANIMAL PACKING SPECIALIST

Department of the Navy
U.S. Marine Corps

Summary

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 10/26/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 26, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$61,722 - $80,243 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DE-13022931-26-DH
Control number
878297100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

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  • You will will develop and support all functions required to conduct a formal military program of instruction in the technical and tactical employment of military pack animals for utilization in a mountainous environment.
  • You will be tasked with the management of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Bridgeport, California stable facility and care of its animals, primarily horses and mules.
  • You will be maintaining the barn, fenced irrigated pastures, and corrals, ensuring they are secure, clean, and in good repair.
  • You will implementing a rigorous conditioning and acclimatization regimen to prepare the animals for the extreme physiological demands of high altitudes and cold temperatures.
  • You will be innovating and refining animal packing technology to enhance the program's effectiveness, requiring a blend of traditional stable management skills with creative problem-solving and technical aptitude.
  • You will packing various weapons systems, requiring a precise methodology to ensure each weapon is securely stowed, protected from damage, and balanced for transport, yet readily accessible if required.
  • You will actively assist instructors and guides students through the physical process of loading the animals, demonstrating proper techniques for lifting and securing cargo.
  • You will conduct meticulous pre-mission health assessments, including hoof care and specialized shoeing for icy or rocky terrain, and administer any necessary prophylactic treatments to prevent common ailments.
  • You will implementing established animal cool-down protocols, replenishing fluids and nutrients to restore energy levels, and providing a clean, dry, and warm environment for rest.
  • You will be working with veterinarians, and be skilled in identifying and addressing a variety of hoof-related issues, from abscess and disease to injuries sustained in the field.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • Generally, current federal employees applying for GS jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level. This requirement is called time-in-grade. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Must possess and maintain applicable license(s) or authorization(s) to operate assigned equipment. Training and licensing will be avaiable through MCMWTC.
  • Must possess and maitain a valid State driver's license.
  • This position is subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.
  • You will be required to frequently work outdoors, ride horses or mules, walk, bend and lift heavy loads more than 75 lbs at high elevations from 5000 feet up to 12,000 feet and at extreme temperatures (-30 to +120 degree Fahrenheit.
  • Protective clothing and equipment are required for wear.

Qualifications

Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Employing advanced animal packing techniques to transport specialized military equipment and supplies through challenging mountainous terrain. Managing all aspects of large animal herd health, including daily care, advanced farrier duties, and holding ultimate responsibility for the complete lifecycle of physical care for the animal stock. Instructing military personnel on professional horsemanship, packing procedures, and animal welfare best practices to ensure mission success in mountainous and cold-weather operations.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/miscellaneous-administration-and-program-series-0301/

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.

Education

In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:

Master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related

Additional information

Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.

This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.

Several vacancies may be filled.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.

Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.

As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation.

If after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible/not qualified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.

U.S. Marine Corps

The Navy and Marine Corps team offers innovative, exciting and meaningful work linking military and civilian talents to achieve our mission and safeguard our freedoms. Department of the Navy provides competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and extensive professional development and training. From pipefitters to accountants, scientists to engineers, doctors to nurses-the careers and opportunities to make a difference are endless.

Civilian careers-where purpose and patriotism unite!

Agency contact information

Brandon Schroder
Phone
760-932-1447
Email
brandon.schroder@usmc.mil
Address
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CTR
MCAGCC
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278
US

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http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Pages/Default.aspx

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