Field Unit Local (FUL) Livestock Handler

National Park Service•Yellowstone National Park, MT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This Field Unit Local (FUL) Livestock Handler position is with the National Park Service at Yellowstone National Park, in the Division of Resource and Visitor Protection, Corral Operations. The park encompasses 2.2 million acres, has more than 1,200 miles of trails and 35 backcountry ranger stations, and maintains a remuda of more than 110 horses and mules. The position reports directly to the Horse Handler Supervisor. This is a career-seasonal permanent position that does not provide year-round work. The work season is approximately January through mid-November and December, with a non-pay period from November 15 through November 28, 2027, and non-pay status for the remainder of the year. The position involves working with horses and bison, caring for animals, maintaining barn facilities, and supporting park personnel with riding instruction. Work is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in varied weather and temperature extremes, including steep mountain terrain and remote backcountry areas. The employee may work alone and must be able to sustain themselves in those conditions. Hazards include animal-related injuries, cuts, bruises, strains, insect bites, and infections. Applicants must reside in the defined local commuting area at the time of application and provide proof of residency. The defined area includes Gallatin and Park counties in Montana; Park, Sublette, and Teton counties in Wyoming; and Fremont County in Idaho. A valid driver's license must be maintained throughout employment. Appointment is subject to a background investigation and favorable adjudication, and the employee must complete a one-year probationary period. There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System positions.

Requirements

Meet the job-related qualification factors: ability to do the work without more than normal supervision (screen-out); technical practices; use of measuring instruments; ability to interpret instructions and specifications other than blueprints; ability to use and maintain tools and equipment; knowledge of materials; and dexterity and safety.
Describe relevant experience and training in the application and document experience in the resume; job titles alone will not be treated as evidence of performing the duties.
Reside within the defined local commuting area at the time of application and provide proof of residency.
Have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Successfully complete a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Participate in Direct Deposit.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Complete training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Meet the minimum age requirement: at least 18 years old, or at least 16 and meeting one of the stated education, vocational training, school approval, or student-employment conditions.
Serve a one-year probationary period; continued employment after the period requires written agency certification.
Be able to perform strenuous physical work, including lifting or moving loads in excess of 50 pounds, working with arms and legs to hitch loads on steep or slick terrain, spending long hours in the saddle, and driving heavy trucks for long distances and at odd hours.
Be able to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes, in steep mountain terrain and sometimes alone in remote backcountry areas, and sustain oneself in those conditions.

Responsibilities

Work green horses to work with bison in pen settings and haze bison in open country.
Assist with day-to-day maintenance and operations at the barn facility.
Feed large herds of animals and administer necessary medical treatment as situations arise.
Sho horses.
Assist co-workers in training other park personnel in riding techniques.