Animal Caretaker (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

National Park Service in Yosemite National Park, California seeks a wildlife stockperson to support horse and stock operations during the typical 6-month season. You will feed, water, clean facilities, monitor animal condition, and assist with basic care under supervision.

The role requires physical endurance, ability to lift heavy loads, and experience with livestock handling. Travel may involve driving a truck with a horse trailer on mountain roads, and work occurs outdoors in varying weather

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50–80 lbs throughout shift.
• Must work outdoors in all weather and terrains.
• Must maintain stock nutrition and feed schedules.
• Ability to drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, and clean stock facilities (barn, corrals, stalls).
• Monitor livestock condition and ensure proper nutrition and shoeing checks.
• Provide minor first aid to stock under supervision.
• Transport horses by truck on mountain roads in varied weather.
• Perform outdoor labor including raking, shoveling, and lifting loads up to 130 lbs.

Skills

Stock care

Horse handling

Truck operation

First aid

Manual labor

Education

No substitution of education for experience

Federal Wage System position

Tools

Truck driving

Job description

• Location: Yosemite National Park, California

The typical defined season is not to exceed 6 months between Apr-Oct 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 30 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: Feeding, watering, cleaning facilities (barn, corrals, stalls, etc.). Ensure stock receive proper feed ratio and nutrition during times of heavy work and low staff. Provide visual inspection of livestock to determine general physical condition and shoes are properly in place.

Provide minor first aid to stock, applying salves to sore spots, cuts, bruises; care for injuries, swelling, under guidance of supervisor or packer; recognize more serious injuries, illness and the coordination of medical care (notifying supervisor or veterinarian). Drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer on winding, mountain roads in all weather conditions.

Physical Effort Incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for raking, shoveling, sweeping, and hauling loads of manure in wheelbarrow uphill to manure storage; Frequently lifts, carries, pushes and pulls Items weighing 50 - 80 lbs. Needs to be able to load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 lbs. Must be able to endure a physical eight/ten-hour shift daily, five days a week.

Must be able to stand and be active throughout entire shift Greater strength and agility to catch and halter livestock. Working Condltlons: Must be in good physical shape. Must be able to get in and out of saddle without help from others. Work is performed in elevations ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet without any physical repercussions. Incumbent subject to being kicked, bitten, scratched, bruised or rope burns from unpredictable interaction with llvestock.

Incumbent is subject to scratches, cuts, splinters, scraps when cleaning and maintaining stock and facilities. Work Is performed outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind. Extreme temperatures range from hot to cold. Terrain is rocky and steep with unsure footing. Work is subject to holidays, weekends, and OT If need be. Must be able to withstand routine type of work on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

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 $21.18 – $24.74/hr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-26.

How many openings are available?

There are 2 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

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