Seasonal Animal Caretaker; MVO

North Cascades National Park

1 Vacancies. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April to October but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty:
April–May 2026. Salary Range: $33.36 – $38.92 per hour. For additional information regarding the open positions for this park, reach out to:
Scott Swenson, at  or .

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.

The purpose of this position is to perform Animal Caretaker (MVO) duties: responsible for stock management of up to 12 animals. Perform basic veterinarian care and recognize more serious injuries and illnesses to coordinate medical care. Responsible for leading seasonal packer in packing, care, and handling of stock. Regularly couple and uncouple trucks from trailers and properly connect and disconnect electrical brake controllers.

Independently operate and maintain any necessary small equipment (loaders, skid‑steer loaders) to load and unload trucks.

Physical Effort: The incumbent must possess good coordination and endurance for hiking, leading of pack string and operation of vehicles, equipment, axes and saws. The incumbent will frequently ride horse and/or mules up to 20 miles in a day while guiding a pack string of up to 8 animals. Incumbent will be required to lift, carry, and secure awkward loads up to 100 pounds onto the sides of animals at or above chest height and use arms to hold packs in position while hitching ropes.

Incumbent must be able to adjust these loads along the trail in steep, rocky, or other poor footing situations. While preparing loads, incumbent is required to constantly bend, squat, twist, lift and place loads onto trucks for transport. When performing trail maintenance, incumbent will be required to do strenuous work with hand tools on steep slopes and walk up to 20 miles per day while carrying loads over difficult terrain.

Position requires that the incumbent maintain good physical stamina and strength in arms, back, and legs to perform these required tasks safely and efficiently.

Working Conditions: Incumbent will be required to work at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 6,000 feet in all extremes of weather including wind, rain, and snow, and temperatures ranging from 20°F to 100°F with sudden and extreme changes. There is a risk of cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and hypothermia, strained or pulled muscles due to the movement of animals while hitching or loading, shoeing, etc.,

and danger from animals crushing, striking, or biting. Other hazards include falling limbs/trees/rocks, rough terrain, snow slides and unpredictable interaction with stock animals. Incumbent is required to wear the official NPS uniform. Appropriate and required PPE will be provided at the park's expense. Incumbent will frequently lift, push, and pull loads weighing more than 100 pounds on poor footing and in awkward areas.

Incumbent will be required to work in dusty conditions where visibility and breathing are compromised. Incumbent may occasionally be required to work long hours while packing (up to 14 hours in a day). Incumbent will routinely be required to spend multiple nights in the backcountry camping with pack stock in remote, outdoor environments.