Motor Vehicle Operator (Animal Packer) (Seasonal) @ National Park Service

Job Summary

These are full time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for rehire in subsequent service years. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is May to September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April to May, 2027

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. 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) Operation of Motor Vehicles Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation) Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle) Reliability and Dependability as a Tractor Operator 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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. 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.

SELECTIVE FACTOR

This position requires regular and recurring work and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry above 7,000 ft elevation for extended periods of time. Selectees must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs, and be able to camp for several days at a time. This experience must clearly be stated in your resume or other application documents, or you may be found ineligible.

You must possess and maintain a current Class A Commercial Driver's License prior to entry on duty. Please be sure to state this in your resume. Additional information on the specific qualification requirements for this position are found in the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations. It is available for review on OPM's web site at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118C/index.htm ICTAP/CTAP 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.

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.

Major Duties

• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: 8 Vacancies.
• The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April to May but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.
• Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2026.
• For additional information regarding the open positions for this park, reach out to: Barnaby Fisher at [email protected] or 559-565-4364 or Antonio Fiorino at [email protected] or 559-565-3745 The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year.
• Dates of employment will vary between sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation.
• Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding.
• Major Duties include: Feeds and cares for 6 to 10 mules and 4 to 6 saddle horses.
• Feeds and wrangles stock in backcountry settings.
• Trains and corrects behavior problems in horses and mules.
• Administers medications to stock.
• Performs farrier duties including emergency field shoeing and trimming.
• Builds loads and packs food, tools, camp equipment, explosives, supplies and materials to trail crews.
• Transports livestock, supplies and materials via truck and trailer from source to trail heads, including transporting, loading and unloading of hay.
• Maintains tack, sheds and corral fence lines.
• Incumbent frequently drives on narrow winding mountain roads.
• Performs routine vehicle inspections on trucks and trailers and does minor repairs.
• May be assigned to isolated backcountry locations for periods of 4 to 12 weeks at a time.
• Operates trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds GVW and trailers over 10,000 pounds on unpaved roads transporting horses and mules.
• Physical Demands: Motor Vehicle Operation: Moderate physical effort is needed by this position in operating, turning, backing, and controlling vehicles which carry heavy loads.
• Required to frequently lift items weighing over 50 lbs.
• Considerable physical effort may be required to change tires and make limited emergency repairs, such as installing an emergency fan belt or replacing an electrical fuse on open highways.
• Animal Caretaking and Packing: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting while using saddles and tack.
• Frequently lifts and loads pack boxes and other objects weighing 60-100 pounds.
• Occasionally, with assistance, lifts and loads pack boxes weighing over 100 lbs.
• Routinely ride up to 15 miles daily , and periodically 25 miles or more.
• Frequently works with horses and mules weighing over 100 lbs.
• Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time.
• The incumbent will be working outdoors in extreme temperatures varying form 100+ to near 10 F. The working environment is dusty, dirty, hot, wet and under certain conditions noisy.
• There may be occasions during the season that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow, and frigid conditions.
• The incumbent may be required to work long hours, hike or ride long distances in rough terrain, and work around hazardous conditions.
• The individual may be exposed to poisonous reptiles and plants.
• At time he/she may be required to make stream crossings in cold, swift water, either by horse or by foot.
• The individual must be able to withstand the challenges of life in remote, primitive conditions for periods of two to twelve weeks at a time.
• Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October.
• High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here.
• In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards.
• For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.

Requirements

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 must possess and maintain a current Class A Commercial Driver's License by entry on duty.

Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility. 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. 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.

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.