Also called: Packer, Pack Station Wrangler, Forest Service Packer
Leads strings of mules carrying gear and supplies into wilderness areas where vehicles are not allowed.
A packer loads mules with tools for trail crews or food for fire camps, balances each load carefully, and leads the string for miles on mountain trails. The Forest Service and private outfitters hire packers.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Stock handling experience; learned on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 45-2093: Decline (-1% or lower).
Low risk for 10 years. Helicopters, not AI, are the competition; balancing loads and leading mule strings on trails stays skilled hands-on work.
Classes: Ag/animal science CTE, PE/fitness, Shop class, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2093.
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