HORSEMANSHIP AND ANIMAL PACKING SPECIALIST
What you'd do
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Major duties
You will will develop and support all functions required to conduct a formal military program of instruction in the technical and tactical employment of military pack animals for utilization in a mountainous environment. You will be tasked with the management of the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Bridgeport, California stable facility and care of its animals, primarily horses and mules. You will be maintaining the barn, fenced irrigated pastures, and corrals, ensuring they are secure, clean, and in good repair. You will implementing a rigorous conditioning and acclimatization regimen to prepare the animals for the extreme physiological demands of high altitudes and cold temperatures. You will be innovating and refining animal packing technology to enhance the program's effectiveness, requiring a blend of traditional stable management skills with creative problem-solving and technical aptitude. You will packing various weapons systems, requiring a precise methodology to ensure each weapon is securely stowed, protected from damage, and balanced for transport, yet readily accessible if required. You will actively assist instructors and guides students through the physical process of loading the animals, demonstrating proper techniques for lifting and securing cargo. You will conduct meticulous pre-mission health assessments, including hoof care and specialized shoeing for icy or rocky terrain, and administer any necessary prophylactic treatments to prevent common ailments. You will implementing established animal cool-down protocols, replenishing fluids and nutrients to restore energy levels, and providing a clean, dry, and warm environment for rest. You will be working with veterinarians, and be skilled in identifying and addressing a variety of hoof-related issues, from abscess and disease to injuries sustained in the field.
What you need to qualify
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Employing advanced animal packing techniques to transport specialized military equipment and supplies through challenging mountainous terrain. Managing all aspects of large animal herd health, including daily care, advanced farrier duties, and holding ultimate responsibility for the complete lifecycle of physical care for the animal stock. Instructing military personnel on professional horsemanship, packing procedures, and animal welfare best practices to ensure mission success in mountainous and cold-weather operations. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/miscellaneous-administration-and-program-series-0301/ Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Before you apply
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