National Park Service

Cook (Seasonal)

Multiple Locations $25 - $30 PH WG Closes Oct 26, 2026

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Summary

Applicants must be physically fit and as required in the Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Handbook X-118C, must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job elements listed below to perform the duties of the position at the level for which they are applying. A specific length of time and experience is not required. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. You must meet the 2-point level on the screen out factor/element and an average of level 2 on all factors/elements listed. To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT) Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints) Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of materials Technical Practices (theoretical precise, artistic) Work Practices (including keeping things neat, clean, and in order) If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(2) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.

Major Duties

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 upon work availability and funding. Duty Locations are: Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park The duties for this position: The trail cook is responsible for all phases of the operation of a backcountry-type kitchen and food service for the daily meals of up to 25 trail crew. Plan meals and requisition necessary foodstuffs and supplies on a weekly or semi-weekly basis with a minimum of waste. Plan, prepare, and serve family-style a variety of nutritionally well-balanced menus including specialty diet items such as vegetarian dishes. Preserves, stores, and utilizes foodstuffs fully without modern refrigeration (i.e. ice chests). Assures that equipment, dishes and utensils, and food storage areas are kept orderly and sanitary while displaying good personal hygiene and supervises the hygiene of the kitchen area and helpers. Performs other camp duties as necessary, such as splitting wood, fueling fires to heat water, treating water, monitoring camp sanitation as a whole including camp layout, camp commissary facilities, backcountry latrine facilities, backcountry bathing facilities, dish washing facilities. Can deal effectively and safely with wildlife in camp, including black bears, ravens, raccoons, mountain lions, etc. Physical Demands: Work is performed in work areas that require incumbent to stand, stoop, bend and work in tiring uncomfortable positions. He/she frequently lifts and carries supplies, materials and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. May occasionally handle items with assistance that weigh over 50 pounds. Typical strenuous activity includes frequently lifts and carries objects up to 50 pounds, cutting and stockpiling of wood for camp and kitchen fires, frequently walking several miles a day in the course of daily chores or in going to work at the project site. May be required to work long hours and hike or ride horses long distances in rough terrain. May be required to assist animal packers in the un/loading of camp supplies carried by mules and horses. Working Conditions: Work split shift hours in order to prepare and serve morning and evening meals. Must have ability to live and work effectively in isolated back country areas in close contact with small numbers of people for extended periods of time up to 6 months of the year. Must live and work outdoors in mountainous terrain to 13,000 feet in elevation in all extremes of weather. Hazardous conditions may exist in working around stock, falling and bucking trees for firewood, working around heat, working around gas stoves and other gas equipment, and working with sharp knives. May perform duties in areas where wildlife is present and be required to store and protect food stores from wildlife (i.e.-bears, deer, rodents, small mammals). May perform duties where poisonous reptiles, plants, and insects are known to be present.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males U.S. Citizenship required. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males. Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program. You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit, and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you. You may be required to complete training and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle. You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided. You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work. Travel, transportation & relocation expenses will not be paid. Relocation expenses will be the employee's responsibility. Government Charge Card: You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority. Applicants must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/26/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement: Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements. More information on how to write a Federal Resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include Complete Required Assessment(s). Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (member 4 copy) or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15. If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15, and if applicable, a completed SF15. You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.va.gov/records/ or call 1-800-827-1000. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation. Interagency Career Transition (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): You MUST submit proof of eligibility including 1) copy of the agency notice, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc.; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be well qualified. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL). Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from all documents. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13066228 Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.