Animal Caretaker (Farrier) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Yosemite National Park, CA

21d

About The Position

The National Park Service is hiring a seasonal Animal Caretaker (Farrier) to ensure that government horses and mules are properly shod. The typical season is no more than six months between April and November, although timing may vary due to weather, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty period is April–May 2027. The appointment is temporary and seasonal, generally not to exceed 1,039 hours, though it may be extended to 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Employment may end early due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The position involves physically demanding farrier and livestock-care work in outdoor settings and varied, often hazardous terrain. Work may take place at elevations from sea level to 10,000 feet, in all weather conditions, and may include holidays, weekends, overtime, on-call, evening, and shift work as needed. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. The employee must wear a uniform; a uniform allowance will be provided. Overnight travel may be required.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Meet the minimum age requirement: at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meeting one of the stated education or student-work conditions.
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision; applicants must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element and average at least 2 points across all job elements.
• Demonstrate job-related ability in technical practices, use of measuring instruments, interpretation of instructions and specifications, use and maintenance of tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity, and safety.
• Document relevant experience and training in the application and resume; the resume must support assessment questionnaire responses.
• Be able to perform heavy, sustained physical work, including handling and shoeing livestock and lifting or carrying loads of up to 100 pounds and feed bales up to 130 pounds.
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather, on rocky, steep, uneven terrain and at elevations up to 10,000 feet.
• Be able to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work as required.
• Complete required training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle if required.
• Wear the required uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Travel overnight away from home if required, and obtain a government charge card for travel purposes if required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that more than 100 government horses and mules are properly shod, including corrective shoeing when needed.
• Perform minor veterinary treatment on National Park Service-owned horses and mules.
• Maintain inventory of horse and mule shoeing supplies, including shoes, nails, and shoeing tools.
• Instruct Animal Packers in proper and professional horse and mule shoeing procedures.
• Drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer on winding mountain roads and in all weather conditions.
• Care for, handle, and shoe horses and mules, including controlling animals during farrier work.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance
• Government housing may be available, but is not guaranteed
• Federal employee benefits may be available depending on position type and eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed