Seasonal Animal Caretaker; Farrier

This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut‑off date is 11:59 pm (est), 02/26/2026. For more information and cut‑off dates, see the Next Steps section in this announcement.

Yosemite National Park: 1 vacancy. 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 2026. Salary range: $25.16 – $29.36 per hour. For additional information regarding the open positions for this park, reach out to:
Jessica Crow, Supervisory Facilities Operations Specialist, Roads & Trails at  or 209‑347‑7323.

The Pacific West Region is recruiting for temporary seasonal positions not to exceed 1,039 hours of work in a service year. Dates of employment will vary 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.

• 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.
• Is responsible for corral operations on weekends.
• Is 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.

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.

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.