Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal) @ National Park Service

Job Summary

The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Oct but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2027. Open to the first 40 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

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) Technical Practices: theoretical precise, artistic Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprints Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Materials Dexterity and Safety 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.

You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position. 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

• Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Responsible for feeding proper types and amounts of rations in both front country and back country situations - insuring they receive proper nutrition during times of heavy work and off times and insuring they are fed properly on his/her lieu days.
• Responsible for basic veterinary care of animals including but not limited to: worming, vaccinating, administering medication and dressing wounds.
• Responsible for the recognition of more serious injuries/illness and the coordination of required medical care.
• Responsible for performing farrier duties at regular intervals without causing injury to stock or people and ensuring stock is properly shod before heading into the backcountry.
• Responsible for safely leading strings of up to 8-head over rough mountain trails, requiring long days on the trail and spending up to seven consecutive nights camped in remote backcountry settings.
• Physical Effort: the incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for hiking, leading of pack string and operation of vehicles, equipment and power/hand tools. the incumbent will be subjected to some degree of strain when operation vehicles and equipment for extend periods of time over rough surfaces and uneven grades.
• The incumbent frequently lifts, pushes, pulls, and carries items weighing 50 lbs.
• On occasion, the incumbent may lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 100 lbs.
• The incumbent may be required to walk up to 20 miles per day, over steep and/or rough trails.
• Working Conditions: Work is performed in elevations ranges from sea level to 8000 ft.
• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures (hot/cold).
• Terrain is often rugged and steep with unsure footing.
• Hazards include falling limbs/trees/rocks, rough terrain, snow slides and unpredictable interactions with stock animals.
• Work requires strenuous hiking and physical effort in the management of stock animals.
• Incumbent will be required to spend up to eight consecutive nights camping in a backcountry setting.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• To learn more, visit Home | E-Verify Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• (Screen out).
• Pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing are required.
• You will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive test is received.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed.
• Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing.
• Occupancy of government quarters may be required.
• You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the 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 16 nights per month.
• You may have to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• You must be at least 21 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.