Animal Packer and Caretaker (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service • Kings Canyon National Park, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a seasonal position supporting trail operations in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The typical season lasts no more than six months between April and October, though 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 is expected to end when seasonal work is complete; it is generally not to exceed 1,039 hours, though some appointments may be extended to 1,560 hours depending on the park and program. Employment may end earlier due to funding, project needs, performance, or other considerations.

The employee cares for and handles mules and horses, packs supplies and equipment for trail crews, and transports livestock and materials to trailheads. The work includes maintaining tack, sheds, corrals, vehicles, and trailers, and may involve working independently or with small groups in remote mountainous wilderness for extended periods. Duties can require long hours, overnight travel, on-call work, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work.

The position requires substantial physical effort, including lifting and loading objects commonly weighing up to 50 pounds and, with assistance, occasionally weighing 60 to over 100 pounds. Work involves routine horseback riding, handling large and sometimes unpredictable animals, driving heavy loads on narrow mountain roads, and making limited vehicle repairs. Employees work outdoors in extreme heat and other severe weather, rough terrain, primitive conditions, and potentially hazardous environments. Exposure may include bites, scratches, kicks, poisonous plants and reptiles, cold swift water, smoke, and poor air quality.

Employment conditions include U.S. citizenship or national status, a background investigation, E-Verify, Selective Service registration where applicable, direct deposit, alcohol and drug testing, and a valid driver's license. The employee must obtain and maintain National Park Service Explosives Handler certification after completing the appointment training course, comply with uniform standards, and may be required to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed, and occupancy of government quarters may be required.

Requirements

• Sufficient ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out factor).
• Knowledge and ability in technical practices, including theoretical, precise, and artistic practices.
• Ability to use measuring instruments.
• Ability to interpret instructions and specifications other than blueprints.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of materials.
• Dexterity and safety awareness.
• Must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and average at least 2 points across all job elements.
• 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 obtain and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid National Park Service Explosives Handler certification after completing the appointment training course.
• Must complete pre-employment and random alcohol and drug testing; a verified positive test prevents appointment.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement: age 18, or age 16 or 17 with one of the specified education or student-employment conditions.
• Must be able to meet the position's physical demands and work effectively in remote, primitive, mountainous wilderness conditions.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with uniform standards.
• May be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• May be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work, and to travel overnight away from home.
• May be required to obtain a government charge card for travel.

Responsibilities

• Feed and care for 6 to 10 mules and 4 to 6 saddle horses.
• Feed and wrangle livestock in backcountry settings.
• Train horses and mules and correct behavior problems.
• Administer medications to livestock.
• Perform farrier duties, including emergency field shoeing and trimming.
• Build loads and pack food, tools, camp equipment, explosives, supplies, and materials for trail crews.
• Transport livestock, supplies, and materials by truck and trailer from their source to trailheads, including loading and unloading hay.
• Maintain tack, sheds, and corral fence lines.
• Drive trucks and trailers, frequently on narrow, winding mountain roads.
• Perform routine inspections of trucks and trailers and make minor repairs.
• Change tires and make limited emergency vehicle repairs when needed.

Benefits

• A uniform allowance will be provided.
• Government housing may be available, but is not guaranteed.
• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed