Become an Animal Caretaker at North Cascades National Park

Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for animals with the majesty of the great outdoors? The National Park Service (NPS) is currently seeking a highly skilled and physically resilient Animal Caretaker (MVO) for a seasonal appointment in the breathtaking North Cascades National Park. This position is ideal for individuals who are comfortable working in remote, rugged, and sometimes extreme environments.

Job Responsibilities

As an Animal Caretaker, your role is pivotal to wilderness logistics. Duties include:

Managing the stock of up to 12 animals.
Performing basic veterinary care and recognizing health issues.
Leading seasonal packers in the handling and care of pack strings.
Operating vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment like skid steers.
Performing strenuous trail maintenance and backcountry work.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet stringent physical and professional requirements, including holding a valid Class A CDL. You must be able to handle physical labor, such as lifting 100-pound loads and hiking up to 20 miles per day.

Salary Overview

The pay for this position ranges from $33.36 to $38.92 per hour, depending on experience and performance.

Comparison Table: Physical Demands

Task Type	Difficulty	Requirements
Lifting	High	Up to 100 lbs
Hiking	Strenuous	Up to 20 miles/day
Environment	Variable	Sea level to 6000 ft
Schedule	Intense	Up to 14 hour shifts

Benefits

Uniform allowance.
Potential access to government housing.
Experience in federal land management.

Application Tips

Ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and reflects your direct experience with pack animals and heavy equipment. Be sure all supporting documentation, especially your CDL, is clearly uploaded.

This is a rare opportunity to serve in one of the most stunning national parks in the country. If you have the endurance, the skills, and the drive, apply today to start your next adventure.

Why This Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal) Job Matters

Embark on an epic adventure as an Animal Caretaker in the heart of North Cascades National Park—where your daily office is the rugged, breathtaking wilderness.

Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated and physically capable Animal Caretaker for a seasonal position in Marblemount, Washington. This role is central to the logistical success of our wilderness operations, involving the management and care of pack stock that supports critical park projects. You will be responsible for the health, grooming, and logistical packing of animals, navigating remote backcountry terrain, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of our pack strings.

Requirements for Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal)

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Must hold a valid state-issued driver's license throughout employment.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, as well as random testing during employment.
Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a National Park Service Explosives Handler certification.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for the Selective Service.
Must complete a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Must be comfortable with remote, backcountry camping for multiple nights.

Preferred Qualifications for Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal)

Proven experience in handling and packing animals in rugged, mountainous terrain.
Demonstrated ability to perform minor veterinary tasks and monitor animal health.
Technical proficiency in operating small equipment like loaders and skid steers.
Exceptional physical stamina for hiking up to 20 miles daily under varied environmental conditions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Government housing may be available.
✓Opportunity to work in a premier federal national park setting.
✓Direct deposit of pay.

💡 How to Apply Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Animal Caretaker (Mvo) (Seasonal) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, using a minimum 10-point font.
Gather necessary documentation, specifically your Class A CDL and any applicable Veterans' Preference documents (DD-214).
Complete the online questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your past experience maps to the job-related factors.
Do not include photographs in your resume or supporting documents.
Verify that your resume is uploaded as a single document; avoid using Adobe portfolio formats.
Apply early to avoid technical issues on the closing date.
Clearly highlight your experience with pack stock, as this is a core component of the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is government housing available for this position?

Government housing may be available but is not guaranteed. You should contact the specific park office for the most current information regarding housing availability.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, there is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System positions.

What is the work schedule like?

This is a seasonal position. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Long days—up to 14 hours—and overnight stays in the backcountry are required.

Is the schedule consistent?

No, the work schedule can change suddenly due to weather, funding, or project needs.

Do I need to provide my own PPE?

No, required PPE is provided at the park's expense.

Job from National Park Service

The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are committed to protecting our nation's natural resources and cultural heritage. Working with the NPS provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of America's most treasured landscapes.