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National Park Service

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Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal)

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The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Nov but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2027. Open to the first 120 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: The full range of animal packer duties include packing supplies, materials, and equipment onto pack mules or horses. Leading a string of up to 6 pack animals transporting supplies, materials, and equipment into back country work sites. Loading and hauling horses and mules by truck and trailer. Moves trail crew camps and trail opening work crews to new locations with pack mules, makes minor repairs to packing equipment and tack gear as required, shoes saddle horses and pack mules in remote back country locations, and in front country staging locations. Makes diagnosis and treats minor horse/mule injuries and illnesses, and trains young mules for packing. Physical Effort: Light to heavy physical exertion Is required in bending, lifting and reaching. Lift, place and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds while packing. Able to load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 lbs. with assistance. Lifts and transports hazardous materials. Heavy strain is incurred in controlling; animals while shoeing and handling. Must-possess good coordination and endurance for-horseback riding for extended periods of time to perform work. Working Conditions: Must be able to get In and out of a without help from others. Work is performed at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 11,000 feet. Subject to being kicked, bitten, scratched, bruised and rope burns from unpredictable interaction with livestock. Work Is performed outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, hall and wind. Extreme temperatures range from -10 degrees to 120 degrees. Terrain is rocky and steep with uneven footing. Incumbent Is required to wear personal protective equipment such as protective clothing, eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats, gloves, steel toe boots, and respirators.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit Home | E-Verify Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. Use find a park to contact specific parks for more information on government housing. Occupancy of government quarters may be required. You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to travel overnight away from home. You may have to obtain a government charge card for travel purposes. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

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