Animal Packer and Caretaker (Trails) (Seasonal)

National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 31,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

National Park Service is seeking an Animal Packer and Caretaker (Trails) for seasonal work in California. The role involves backcountry animal care, packing gear, and supporting trail crews in rugged outdoor environments.

The position requires handling horses and mules, extensive lifting, and endurance in variable weather conditions across high-altitude terrains. Anticipated start April–May 2027 with a season not exceeding six months.

Qualifications

• Experience with backcountry animal handling.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor in rugged field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Feeds and cares for 6–10 mules and 4–6 saddle horses.
• Trains and corrects behavior in horses and mules.
• Administers medications to stock.
• Packs loads of food, tools, camp equipment, and supplies to trail crews.
• Transports livestock and materials to trail heads and manages tack and corrals.

Skills

Animal handling

Horse care

Mule packing

Trail wrangling

Job description

Animal Packer and Caretaker (Trails) (Seasonal)

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 80 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: Feeds and cares for 6 to 10 mules and 4 to 6 saddle horses. Feeds and wrangles stock in backcountry settings. Trains and corrects behavior problems in horses and mules. Administers medications to stock. Performs farrier duties including emergency field shoeing and trimming. Builds loads and packs food, tools, camp equipment, explosives, supplies and materials to trail crews.

Transports livestock, supplies and materials via truck and trailer from source to trail heads; including transporting, loading and unloading of hay. Maintain tack, sheds and corral fence lines. Incumbent frequently drives on narrow winding mountain roads. Performs routine vehicle inspections on trucks and trailers, and does minor repairs. Physical Effort: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting while using saddles and tack.

Frequently lifts and loads pack boxes and other objects weighing 50 lbs. Occasionally, with assistance, lifts and loads pack boxes weighing from 60 lbs to over 100 lbs. Routinely rides up to 15 miles daily, and periodically 25 miles or more. Frequently works with horses and mules weighing over 1000 lbs. utilizing greater strength and agility to wrangles stronger and more active livestock.

Motor Vehicle Operation: Moderate physical effort is needed by this position in operating, turning, backing, and controlling vehicles which carry heavy loads. Required to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 lbs. Considerablel physical effort may be required to change tires and make limited emergency repairs, such as installing an emergency fan belt or replacing an electrical fuse on open highways.

Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in mountainous wilderness areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time. The incumbent will be working outdoors in extreme temperatures varying from +100 to near 110 degrees F. When working outside, worker is frequently exposed to bad weather.

Incumbent works in rain, mud, snow, and in cold temperatures, Icy, slippery conditions are normal for approximately six months each year. The working environment is dusty, dirty, hot, wet, and under certain conditions noisy. There may be occasions during the seas that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow, and frigid conditions. The incumbent may be required to work long hours, hide or ride long distances in rough terrain, and work around hazardous conditions.

Wrangling involves work with occasionally unpredictable and ill-natured animals resulting in exposure to the possibility of injury from bites, scratches, and kicks. the individual may be exposed to poisonous reptiles and plants. At time he/she may be required to make stream crossings in cold, swift water, either by horse or by foot. The individual must be able to withstand the rigors of life in remote, primitive conditions for periods of 2 to 12 weeks at a time.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon national Parks, at times, have poor air quality and the presence of smoke during fires. The central valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains of California may pose human health problems due to air pollution.. Work will be performed at ties when there is poor air quality due to fires or smog.

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 $22.36 – $26.07/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.