Animal Caretaker (Farrier) (Seasonal)

US National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service is seeking a Seasonal Animal Caretaker (Farrier) to ensure horses and mules are properly shod for park operations. This seasonal role typically runs Apr–Nov, but could vary by weather, project needs, or funding, with anticipated entry around April–May 2027.

Open to the first 30 applicants or until 2026-10-26, whichever comes first. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of 2026-10-26 unless stated otherwise.

Qualifications

• Must meet qualifications by the closing date (10/26/2026)
• Describe experience and training in your resume
• Volunteer experience is creditable and can translate to paid work

Responsibilities

• Supply hoof care and shoeing for government horses and mules
• Position is seasonal; defined season Apr–Nov, may vary due to weather or funding
• Open to first 30 applicants or until 10/26/2026, whichever comes first

Skills

Work under supervision

Technical practices

Measuring instruments

Interpret instructions</br> and specs

Use and maintain tools

Knowledge of materials

Dexterity and safety

Tools

Farrier tools

Job description

You will serve as a Animal Caretaker (Farrier) (Seasonal) for the National Park Service. These positions emsures that all government horses and mules are properly shod.
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 30applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
2. Technical Practices: theoretical precise, artistic
3. Use of Measuring Instruments
4. Ability to Interpret Instructions, specifications; other than blueprints
5. Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
6. Knowledge of Materials
7. Dexterity and Safety

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.
You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.