These are full time temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 regular hours (about 6 months) in a service year. Positions may be terminated sooner or extended depending on management needs. Individuals selected under this vacancy announcement are eligible for rehire in subsequent service years. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is May to September, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.
Anticipated Entry on Duty: April to May, 2027
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: 8 Vacancies. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April to May but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April-May 2026.
For additional information regarding the open positions for this park, reach out to: Barnaby Fisher at barnaby_fisher@nps.gov or 559-565-4364 or Antonio Fiorino at antonio_c_fiorino@nps.gov or 559-565-3745 The Pacific West Region is recruiting for TEMPORARY seasonal positions not to exceed 1039 hours work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary between sites depending on funding, weather conditions and visitation.
Within regulatory limitations, the length of initial appointment may be shortened or extended depending on work availability and funding. Major Duties include: 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. Maintains 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.
May be assigned to isolated backcountry locations for periods of 4 to 12 weeks at a time. Operates trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds GVW and trailers over 10,000 pounds on unpaved roads transporting horses and mules. Physical Demands: 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 over 50 lbs.
Considerable 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. Animal Caretaking and Packing: Heavy physical effort is required in bending, lifting while using saddles and tack. Frequently lifts and loads pack boxes and other objects weighing 60-100 pounds. Occasionally, with assistance, lifts and loads pack boxes weighing over 100 lbs.
Routinely ride up to 15 miles daily , and periodically 25 miles or more. Frequently works with horses and mules weighing over 100 lbs. Working Conditions: Incumbent must have the ability to live and work effectively in backcountry areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time. The incumbent will be working outdoors in extreme temperatures varying form 100+ to near 10 F.
The working environment is dusty, dirty, hot, wet and under certain conditions noisy. There may be occasions during the season that the incumbent will work in heavy rain, falling snow, and frigid conditions. The incumbent may be required to work long hours, hike or ride long distances in rough terrain, and work around hazardous conditions. 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 challenges of life in remote, primitive conditions for periods of two to twelve weeks at a time. Air Quality: Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here.
In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.
There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.
This position is with National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $23.89 – $27.87/hr.
Applications close on 2026-10-26.
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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