Animal Caretaker (MVO) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Marblemount, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker manages and cares for up to 12 animals, providing basic veterinary care and recognizing more serious injuries or illnesses that require coordinated medical attention. The position leads a seasonal packer in packing, caring for, and handling stock. It also involves coupling and uncoupling trucks and trailers, connecting and disconnecting electrical brake controllers, and independently operating and maintaining small equipment such as loaders and skid-steer loaders to load and unload trucks.

The position is seasonal, generally lasting no more than six months between April and October, though timing may vary with weather, project needs, and funding. The anticipated entry-on-duty period is April–May 2027. The appointment is temporary and 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 when seasonal work is complete or earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The work is physically strenuous and takes place outdoors in remote settings. Duties can include frequent horseback or mule riding and guiding a pack string for up to 20 miles in a day; lifting, carrying, and securing awkward loads up to 100 pounds; trail maintenance with hand tools on steep slopes; and carrying loads over difficult terrain. Employees may work at elevations from sea level to 6,000 feet and in temperatures from 20°F to 100°F, including wind, rain, snow, dust, and sudden weather changes. The role involves hazards associated with animals, rough terrain, falling limbs, trees or rocks, and snow slides. Employees routinely spend multiple nights camping in the backcountry with pack stock and may work up to 14 hours in a day while packing. Schedules may change frequently, and employees may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, or shifts and travel overnight away from home for up to 14 nights per month.

The employee must wear the official National Park Service uniform and comply with uniform standards; required personal protective equipment is provided at the park’s expense. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupying government quarters may be required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); this is a selective factor.
• Must be at least 21 years old to operate government vehicles.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid National Park Service Explosives Handler certification after completing the appointment training course.
• Must pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Must pass pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Must participate in Direct Deposit.
• Must meet the job-related factors, including ability to do the work without more than normal supervision, technical practices, use of measuring instruments, interpretation of instructions and specifications, use and maintenance of tools and equipment, knowledge of materials, dexterity and safety, and operation of motor vehicles.
• Must demonstrate sufficient experience and ability on the screen-out factor and achieve the stated minimum ratings on the job elements.
• Must be able to meet strenuous physical demands, including frequent riding, hiking, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling heavy loads on difficult footing.
• Must wear the required uniform and comply with uniform standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage the care and stock of up to 12 animals.
• Provide basic veterinary care, recognize serious injuries or illnesses, and coordinate medical care as needed.
• Lead a seasonal packer in packing, care, and handling of stock.
• Couple and uncouple trucks and trailers and properly connect and disconnect electrical brake controllers.
• Independently operate and maintain necessary small equipment, including loaders and skid-steer loaders, to load and unload trucks.
• Ride horses or mules and guide pack strings, including strings of up to eight animals.
• Lift, carry, secure, and adjust loads on animals and trucks, including along steep, rocky, or otherwise difficult terrain.
• Perform trail maintenance using hand tools on steep slopes and carry loads over difficult terrain.
• Camp overnight in remote backcountry settings with pack stock as required.
• Wear the official NPS uniform and use required PPE.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Required personal protective equipment will be provided at the park’s expense.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is described; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed