Animal Packer and Caretaker (Trails) (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 80 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: 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.
• Maintain 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.
• Physical Effort: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting while using saddles and tack.
• Frequently lifts and loads pack boxes and other objects weighing 50 lbs.
• Occasionally, with assistance, lifts and loads pack boxes weighing from 60 lbs to over 100 lbs.
• Routinely rides up to 15 miles daily, and periodically 25 miles or more.
• Frequently works with horses and mules weighing over 1000 lbs. utilizing greater strength and agility to wrangles stronger and more active livestock.
• 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 up to 50 lbs.
• Considerablel 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.
• Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in mountainous wilderness areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time.
• The incumbent will be working outdoors in extreme temperatures varying from +100 to near 110 degrees F. When working outside, worker is frequently exposed to bad weather.
• Incumbent works in rain, mud, snow, and in cold temperatures, Icy, slippery conditions are normal for approximately six months each year.
• The working environment is dusty, dirty, hot, wet, and under certain conditions noisy.
• There may be occasions during the seas that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow, and frigid conditions.
• The incumbent may be required to work long hours, hide or ride long distances in rough terrain, and work around hazardous conditions.
• Wrangling involves work with occasionally unpredictable and ill-natured animals resulting in exposure to the possibility of injury from bites, scratches, and kicks. 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 rigors of life in remote, primitive conditions for periods of 2 to 12 weeks at a time.
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon national Parks, at times, have poor air quality and the presence of smoke during fires.
• The central valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains of California may pose human health problems due to air pollution..
• Work will be performed at ties when there is poor air quality due to fires or smog.

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 You will be required to obtain and maintain a valid National Park Service Explosives Handler certification upon completion of appointment training course.

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. 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 work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. 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.