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

Job Summary

You will serve as a Animal Caretaker (Farrier) (Seasonal) for the National Park Service. These positions emsures that all government horses and mules are properly shod. The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Nov 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 30 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: Ensures all (100+) government horses and mules are properly shod including corrective shoeing when required.
• Performs minor veterinary treatment on NPS owned horses and mules.
• Responsible for the inventory of horse and mule shoeing supplies including horse shoes, mule shoes, nails, and horse shoeing tools.
• Instructs Animal Packers in proper and professional horse and mule shoeing procedures.
• Ability to drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer on winding, mountain roads in all weather conditions.
• Physical Demands: Work requires heavy and constant physical effort in the care, handling and shoeing of horses and mules and in professional farrier work.
• Incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for extended periods of time to perform work.
• Incumbent may lift and carry 100 pound loads of hay, feed, material and supplies when caring for stock.
• Needs to be able to load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 lbs.
• Heavy strain is incurred in controlling animals while shoeing and handling.
• Working Conditions: Dusty conditions exist when moving stock.
• Hazardous situations occur daily when handling stock, in a herd situation, while shoeing stock, and on steep backcountry trails.
• Work is performed in elevations ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet without any physical repercussions.
• Incumbent subject to being kicked, bitten, scratched, bruised and rope burns from unpredictable interaction with livestock.
• Outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind.
• Terrain is rocky and steep with uneven footing.
• Work is subject to holidays, weekends and OT if needed.
• Must be able to withstand routine type work on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
• Subject to unforeseeable conditions arising at any time.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 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. 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 travel overnight away from home. You may have to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You 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.

You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.