Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service in Yosemite National Park seeks a seasonal pack animal handler to support backcountry operations. The role involves leading up to six pack animals, packing supplies and equipment, and transporting materials to remote work sites.

The job requires handling horses and mules daily, performing routine care, and working outdoors at elevations up to 11,000 feet in varied weather. Seasonal employment is typical, Apr–Nov, with application deadlines and funding contingencies.

Qualifications

• No substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.
• Must be physically able to bend, lift up to 100 lb, and perform strenuous outdoor work in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Lead a string of up to 6 pack animals carrying supplies and equipment to backcountry work sites.
• Load and haul horses and mules by truck and trailer to support operations.
• Move trail crew camps and perform routine packing, saddling, and basic animal care in remote locations.

Skills

Animal handling

Pack animal loading

Outdoor work

Job description

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Requirements & Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $23.89 – $27.87/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.