Animal Caretaker (MVO) (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 45 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 Operation of Motor Vehicles 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 stock management of up to 12 animals.
• Performing basic veterinarian care and recognizing more serious injuries and illnesses to coordinate medical care.
• Responsible for leading seasonal packer in packing, care, and handling of stock.
• Regularly couple and uncouple trucks from trailers, and properly connect and disconnect electrical brake controllers.
• Independently operate and maintain any necessary small equipment (loaders, skid steer loaders) to load and unload trucks.
• Physical Effort: The incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for hiking, leading of pack string and operations of vehicles, equipment, axes and saws.
• The incumbent will frequently ride horse and/or mules up to 20 miles in a day while guiding a pack string of up to 8 animals.
• Incumbent will be required to lift, carry, and secure awkward loads up to 100 lbs onto the sides of animals at or above chest height and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes.
• Incumbent must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations.
• While preparing loads, incumbent is required to constantly bend, squat, twist, lift and places loads onto trucks for transport.
• When performing trail maintenance, incumbent will be required to do strenuous work with hand tools on steep slopes and walk up to 20 miles per day while carrying loads over difficult terrain.
• Position requires that the incumbent maintain good physical stamina and strength in arms, back, and legs to perform these required tasks safely and efficiently.
• Working Conditions: Incumbent will be required to work at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 6000 ft in all extremes of weather including wind, rain, and snow, and temperatures ranging from 20 degrees F to 100 degrees F with sudden and extreme changes. there is a risk of cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and hypothermia, strained or pulled muscles due to the movement of animals while hitching or loading, shoeing, etc., and danger from animals crushing, striking, or biting.
• Other hazards include falling limbs/tree/rocks, rough terrain, snow slides and unpredictable interaction with stock animals.
• Incumbent is required to wear the official NPS uniform.
• Appropriate and required PPE will be provided at the park's expense.
• Incumbent will frequently lift, push, and pull loads weighing more than 100 pounds on poor footing and in awkward areas.
• Incumbent will be required to work in dust conditions where visibility and breathing are compromised.
• Incumbent may occasionally be required to work long hours while packing (up to 14 hours in a day).
• Incumbent will routinely be required to spend multiple nights in the backcountry camping with pack stock in remote, outdoor environments.
• Incumbents work schedule may changes suddenly and requently to accommodate work crew's schedule.

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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• (SELECTIVE FACTOR) . 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 will be required to obtain and maintain a valid National Park Service Explosives Handler certification upon completion of appointment training course.
• 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 14 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.