Animal Caretaker (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Yosemite National Park, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal animal caretaker position with a typical season of up to six months between April and October, though the season may vary with 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, although it may be not to exceed 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Employment may end when the season's work is complete or earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The caretaker feeds and waters livestock, cleans barns, corrals, stalls, and other facilities, and ensures animals receive appropriate feed ratios and nutrition, including during periods of heavy work or low staffing. The role includes visually inspecting livestock, providing minor first aid under a supervisor’s or packer’s guidance, recognizing serious injuries or illness, and coordinating medical care by notifying a supervisor or veterinarian. The position also requires driving a truck while towing a three-horse trailer on winding mountain roads in all weather conditions.

Work is physically demanding and performed outdoors in varied weather, temperatures, elevations, and rugged terrain. The employee must be able to perform an active eight- or ten-hour shift, five days per week; handle strenuous cleaning and manure hauling; lift and carry heavy items and feed bales; and safely interact with livestock. Work may include overtime, shift work, on-call duties, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A valid driver’s license must be maintained. Employees must wear a uniform; a uniform allowance is provided. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or 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: be at least 18, or be at least 16 and satisfy one of the listed education, vocational training, school-authority, or student-employment conditions.
• Wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• Obtain a government charge card for travel purposes if required.
• Demonstrate sufficient ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision, the screen-out factor.
• Demonstrate job-related knowledge and 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.
• Meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and an average of at least 2 points across all job elements.
• Document relevant experience and training in the resume; the resume must support the assessment questionnaire responses.
• Be physically able to rake, shovel, sweep, haul manure uphill in a wheelbarrow, frequently lift, carry, push, and pull 50–80 pounds, and load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 pounds.
• Be able to work an active eight- or ten-hour shift, five days a week, remain standing and active throughout the shift, and catch and halter livestock.
• Be in good physical shape and able to mount and dismount a saddle without assistance.
• Be able to work at elevations from sea level to 10,000 feet without physical repercussions and tolerate outdoor work in all weather, extreme temperatures, and rocky, steep terrain.
• Be able to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work as required.
• Be available for occasional overnight travel away from home if required.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water livestock and clean barns, corrals, stalls, and related facilities.
• Ensure livestock receive appropriate feed ratios and nutrition, including during periods of heavy work or low staffing.
• Visually inspect livestock to assess general physical condition and whether shoes are properly in place.
• Provide minor first aid to livestock under the guidance of a supervisor or packer, including applying salves and caring for injuries or swelling.
• Recognize serious livestock injuries or illness and coordinate medical care by notifying a supervisor or veterinarian.
• Drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer on winding mountain roads in all weather conditions.
• Rake, shovel, sweep, and haul manure to storage.
• Load and lift feed bales and handle other heavy items.
• Catch and halter livestock safely.

Benefits

• Uniform allowance
• Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed
• Federal employee benefits package; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed