Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal)

National Park Service•Yosemite National Park, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker (Packer) performs pack animal duties during a seasonal appointment. The typical season lasts no more than six months between April and November, although timing may vary depending on weather, project needs, or funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty period is April–May 2027. The work involves transporting supplies and crews to backcountry work sites using pack animals, as well as caring for, handling, and training horses and mules. The position is temporary seasonal and is expected to end when the season’s work is completed; employment may end earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations. Work takes place outdoors in all weather, on rocky, steep, uneven terrain at elevations from 2,000 to 11,000 feet. Temperatures may range from -10 to 120 degrees. The work entails physical exertion, including lifting and carrying heavy loads, riding for extended periods, handling livestock, and wearing required personal protective equipment. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Must be at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meet one of the stated education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
Must demonstrate sufficient ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor).
Must demonstrate job-related ability in technical practices, use of measuring instruments, interpreting instructions and specifications, using and maintaining tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, and dexterity and safety.
Must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and average at least 2 points across all job elements.
Must describe relevant experience and training in the application and ensure the resume supports assessment-questionnaire responses.
Must be able to bend, lift, reach, and lift, place, and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds while packing; load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 pounds with assistance; and lift and transport hazardous materials.
Must have coordination and endurance for extended horseback riding and be able to control animals while shoeing and handling them.
Must be able to get in and out of a vehicle without assistance.
Must wear the required uniform and comply with uniform standards; personal protective equipment is required.
May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
May be required to travel overnight away from home, obtain a government travel charge card, and work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shift work.
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System positions.

Responsibilities

Pack supplies, materials, and equipment onto pack mules or horses.
Lead strings of up to six pack animals carrying supplies, materials, and equipment to backcountry work sites.
Load and haul horses and mules by truck and trailer.
Move trail crew camps and trail-opening crews to new locations using pack mules.
Make minor repairs to packing equipment and tack gear.
Shoe saddle horses and pack mules in remote backcountry and front-country staging locations.
Diagnose and treat minor horse and mule injuries and illnesses.
Train young mules for packing.