Embark on a Career as an Animal Caretaker with the National Park Service
If you have ever dreamt of working where the mountains meet the clouds, the National Park Service (NPS) has an incredible opportunity for you. We are seeking an Animal Caretaker MVO to join our team at the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This is more than just a job; it is a lifestyle of stewardship, adventure, and dedication to preserving our nation’s cultural and natural heritage.
Job Responsibilities
The role of an Animal Caretaker MVO is multi-faceted, requiring a blend of technical expertise and physical endurance. Your primary duties will include:
- Stock Management: Overseeing the health, selection, and purchasing of up to 12 horses and mules.
- Farrier Duties: Performing regular trimming and shoeing of animals to ensure their safety and readiness for backcountry transit.
- Backcountry Packing: Safely leading pack strings into remote wilderness areas, often for days at a time, to deliver supplies and equipment.
- Heavy Vehicle Operation: Driving large trucks and gooseneck trailers to transport animals and gear across mountainous terrain.
- Maintenance: Assisting with trail maintenance, including drainage and tread work, when not performing packing duties.
Work Requirements Comparison
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| License | Valid Driver's License required; Class A CDL with HazMat required within 6 months |
| Schedule | Mixed schedule; on-call and weekend work required |
| Physical Demand | Strenuous; lifting >100 lbs; long hikes; backcountry camping |
| Travel | High frequency, including backcountry overnight stays |
Requirements & Qualifications
To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and ability in motor vehicle operation, animal care, and tool maintenance. This is a federal position, and applicants must be U.S. citizens. You must be prepared for a trial period and pass background, drug, and alcohol screenings.
Benefits
Working for the federal government offers a stable environment with benefits such as:
- Competitive federal hourly wages.
- Uniform allowances for specialized outdoor gear.
- Access to comprehensive federal employee insurance programs.
- Training and career growth within the Department of the Interior.
Application Tips
Your resume is your primary tool for securing an interview. Ensure it is exactly two pages long and uses a font size of 10-point or greater. Clearly state your hours worked per week—if your resume doesn't specify if a role was full-time (40 hours) or part-time, you may not receive proper credit for your experience. Lastly, highlight your specific experience with pack stock and heavy equipment.
If you possess the physical stamina to navigate the North Cascades and the technical skill to care for high-performing pack animals, this role is your perfect match. Apply today and contribute to the enduring legacy of the National Park Service.
Why This Animal Caretaker Mvo Job Matters
Combine your love for the outdoors with professional expertise as an Animal Caretaker in the rugged, breathtaking wilderness of North Cascades National Park.
Animal Caretaker Mvo Job Overview
The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker MVO to join our team in Marblemount, Washington. This unique role blends expert animal husbandry with backcountry logistics. You will be responsible for the health and management of a stock herd, performing essential farrier duties, and leading pack strings into remote wilderness areas to support critical park infrastructure and trail maintenance.
Requirements for Animal Caretaker Mvo
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- Must be registered for Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement within 6 months of hire.
- Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor including lifting over 100 pounds.
- Must pass mandatory pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
- Must be able to work in remote, backcountry settings for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications for Animal Caretaker Mvo
- Demonstrated ability to manage and provide basic veterinary care for a herd of up to 12 animals.
- Proven competency in farrier services, including trimming and shoeing horses and mules.
- Experience safely navigating pack strings through rough mountain terrain.
- Proficiency in operating heavy motor vehicles, specifically a 5-ton tractor and gooseneck trailer.
- Knowledge of trail maintenance and backcountry navigation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Uniform allowance provided
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Opportunity to work in a premier federal national park
- ✓Access to federal employee healthcare and insurance programs
- ✓Standard federal retirement contributions
💡 How to Apply Animal Caretaker Mvo Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Animal Caretaker Mvo Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Gather your most recent performance appraisal and relevant SF-50 documentation.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents through the USAJobs portal by the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the 2-page limit.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions full-time or part-time hours to verify your experience.
- Do not upload 'award' SF-50s; only focus on appointment or promotion SF-50s.
- Be specific about your pack animal and farrier experience to help the reviewer understand your qualifications beyond just job titles.
- Double-check that all required documentation is uploaded before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a mixed work schedule based on operational needs. You may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call, with shifts that may fluctuate between part-time and full-time.
Do I need a commercial driver's license immediately?
You must have a valid driver's license for the job, but the Class A CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement can be obtained within 6 months of employment.
What if I do not have my most recent performance appraisal?
If it is not available, you must submit a written statement explaining why, including information on whether your prior performance was at an acceptable level.
What is the primary focus of the assessment questionnaire?
It evaluates your proficiency in animal caretaking, motor vehicle operation, and safety standards.
Can I submit a portfolio?
No, please do not submit Adobe portfolio documents. Only upload the requested documents in the specified format.
Job from National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. Our mission is to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the National Park System so that they can be enjoyed by current and future generations. Employees at North Cascades contribute to a legacy of conservation, working in rugged and remote environments that require skill, grit, and a passion for the outdoors.