Become a Horse Wrangler for the Bureau of Land Management
Are you looking for a career that combines animal stewardship, outdoor adventure, and public service? The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently accepting applications for the position of Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator). This unique role offers the opportunity to work directly within the Wild Horse and Burro (WH&B) Program, contributing to the health and sustainability of public lands across Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Job Responsibilities
As a Horse Wrangler, you are on the front lines of the WH&B Program. Your daily duties are centered around:
- Animal Care: Providing daily feeding, handling, and health monitoring for wild horses and burros.
- Transportation: Safely operating heavy trucks and trailers up to 36 feet to move animals to adoption sites or long-term facilities.
- Field Operations: Managing corrals, assisting in gathers, and using horseback riding and roping skills to guide animals.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program (CAWP) guidelines in high-hazard environments.
Daily Tasks Comparison
| Task Type | Focus | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Welfare | Health & Safety | Daily handling & monitoring |
| Transportation | Logistics | Heavy vehicle operation |
| Facility Work | Infrastructure | Maintenance & repair |
Requirements
This position is physically demanding and requires a high level of competency. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a thorough background check, and successfully complete pre-employment drug screening. You must possess the skill to ride and rope horses and maintain firearm certification for humanely managing animals in care.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $26.73 to $33.29 per hour, reflecting the specialized skills required for this physical and technical role.
Benefits
Employees of the Bureau of Land Management enjoy comprehensive benefits, including:
- Health and Life Insurance plans
- Federal Retirement system (including the Thrift Savings Plan)
- Paid leave and federal holidays
- Training and career advancement opportunities
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your 2-page resume is precise and highlights your relevant field experience. Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for all previous roles to ensure accurate credit for your experience. Do not include photographs or extra documentation beyond what is explicitly requested.
If you possess the physical stamina, animal handling skills, and dedication to public service, this Horse Wrangler role provides an unparalleled opportunity to impact the legacy of America’s public lands. Apply through USAJOBS by the deadline to start your career with the BLM.
Why This Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job Matters
Join the Bureau of Land Management as a Horse Wrangler and play a vital role in the humane care, management, and conservation of Wild Horses and Burros across the Western United States.
Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job Overview
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking a dedicated Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator) to join the Wild Horse and Burro (WH&B) Program. This essential role focuses on the welfare and handling of animals within holding facilities, ensuring their health, safety, and proper transportation. You will provide daily care, assist in adoption preparation, and manage facility operations while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare in diverse, often challenging, environments.
Requirements for Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must pass a background investigation and undergo suitability/fitness adjudication.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Required to participate in Direct Deposit.
- Must pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
- Mandatory pre-employment and random drug testing.
- Must obtain and maintain firearm qualification and certification.
- Cannot hold an active real estate license or have conflicts of interest with Federal lands.
- Must possess skill and ability to ride horseback and rope wild horses and burros.
- May be required to serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator)
- Proven expertise in animal husbandry and handling, specifically with wild or untamed stock.
- Demonstrated experience operating heavy motor vehicles, including horse trailers up to 36 feet.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
- Prior experience working in outdoor, high-hazard, or remote environmental conditions.
- Ability to work effectively under minimal supervision in both team and independent settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within the Department of the Interior.
💡 How to Apply Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Horse Wrangler (Motor Vehicle Operator) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a 2-page federal resume detailing your experience, hours worked per week, and specific duties.
- Gather necessary documentation, including performance appraisals, SF-50 forms, and veterans' preference documents.
- Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire through the official application portal.
- Submit your complete package by the closing date of November 2, 2026.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit and font size requirements.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week (e.g., '40 hours per week') to qualify for specialized experience.
- Avoid using any supplemental pages, as they will not be reviewed.
- Ensure all documentation, such as the SF-50, is current and clearly labeled.
- Double-check your responses to the assessment questionnaire against your resume to avoid inconsistencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there physical requirements for this position?
Yes. This role requires strenuous physical exertion, including lifting hay bales over 100 pounds, moving heavy equipment, and riding horses for extended periods in various terrains and weather conditions.
Will I be expected to handle firearms?
Yes. Firearm qualification and annual proficiency maintenance are required, as the role may involve the humane euthanasia of animals if deemed necessary.
Can I substitute education for my work experience?
No. For Federal Wage System (FWS) positions of this nature, there is no substitution of education for the required practical experience.
Do I need prior experience with wild animals?
While experience with wild horses is ideal, extensive experience handling domesticated horses and livestock is essential.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation benefits are not offered for this position.
Job from Bureau Of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management, an agency within the Department of the Interior, is dedicated to managing the nation's public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. The WH&B Program is a critical component of this mission, tasked with balancing the well-being of wild horses and burros with the health of the rangeland ecosystems they inhabit.