JOB SUMMARY: A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is March - November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: March 9, 2024 MAJOR DUTIES: Additional Information: Open to the first 100 applicants or until 01/06/2025 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. Major Duties: Care of Stock/Ground/Facilities: Feeds, waters, and grooms NPS livestock. Assists farrier or lead packer with shoeing of stock and monitor wear. Administers minor first aid to livestock as a result of cuts and bruises, etc. and observes general health of horses/mules and advises animal packer and supervisor when veterinary services may be necessary. Cleans barn and disposes of manure removed from corrals and stock trailers to designated areas. Maintains and/or inspect livestock, tack, and related equipment, corrals, hitch racks, water systems, fences, and gates for integrity and proper security. Packing and Riding: Assists Animal Packer with the handling of 1-8 horses and mules in transporting equipment and supplies for trail maintenance crews, other park divisions, and rangers working in the backcountry. Assists in packing/hauling trail fill material during trail rehabilitation. Assists in the practice of skidding log material to job sites with the stock. Training: Assists with training personnel in basic horsemanship skills along with proper trailer loading, operation, and maintenance. Assists lead packer with training of park livestock using various accepted methods. Exposes horses/mules to varying trail conditions, people, noise, and vehicles to develop a familiarity with them. Vehicle Operation: Must operate a 1/2-to-1-ton manual transmission pickup truck pulling and 2, 4, or 6 horse trailers to various trailheads in the park and to deliver supplies to trailheads. Must operate on paved and unpaved administrative roads. May operator tractors for barn, pasture, and hay operations. Trail Maintenance and Construction: Duties include clearing and maintaining trails, maintenance and construction of log and /or rock water bars and retainers, maintenance and construction of both log and rock retaining walls, maintenance and construction of foot and multiuse bridges, maintenance and installation of both front country and backcountry signs and posts to the park sign standards, maintenance and construction of both hitch racks and corrals located throughout the front- and backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Will perform other trail crew and maintenance tasks as assigned. Operate a variety of power tools such as chain saws, rock drills, string trimmers, Grip-Hoists, various rigging equipment and carpentry tools. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
