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 30 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: Ensures all (100+) government horses and mules are properly shod including corrective shoeing when required. Performs minor veterinary treatment on NPS owned horses and mules. Responsible for the inventory of horse and mule shoeing supplies including horse shoes, mule shoes, nails, and horse shoeing tools.
Instructs Animal Packers in proper and professional horse and mule shoeing procedures. Ability to drive a truck towing a three-horse trailer on winding, mountain roads in all weather conditions. Physical Demands: Work requires heavy and constant physical effort in the care, handling and shoeing of horses and mules and in professional farrier work. Incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for extended periods of time to perform work.
Incumbent may lift and carry 100 pound loads of hay, feed, material and supplies when caring for stock. Needs to be able to load and lift feed bales weighing up to 130 lbs. Heavy strain is incurred in controlling animals while shoeing and handling. Working Conditions: Dusty conditions exist when moving stock. Hazardous situations occur daily when handling stock, in a herd situation, while shoeing stock, and on steep backcountry trails.
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 and rope burns from unpredictable interaction with livestock. Outdoors in all weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind. Terrain is rocky and steep with uneven footing. Work is subject to holidays, weekends and OT if needed.
Must be able to withstand routine type work on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Subject to unforeseeable conditions arising at any time.
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.
This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $25.42 – $29.66/hr.
Applications close on 2026-10-26.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-19 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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