The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is April, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026.
Ability to do the work of a Cook without more than normal supervision (Screen out) experience includes: cooking experience involves one or both of the following situations: (a) planned and prepared nutritionally balanced meals for 5-10 people at a time in semi-remote locations (outdoor kitchens in campgrounds, possibly with access to roads). These trips typically lasted between two weeks and three weeks but may have been longer. (b). cooked on a daily basis for groups of 25 or more in indoor kitchens for two months or more at a time. In either scenario, ordered food for these groups in weekly increments and had to work within a budget set by employer. Stored fresh fruits, vegetables and meats with or without the use of refrigeration during these jobs depending on the location. Used gas and propane to cook meals for these groups. Additional Screen-out: Work requires hiking in a mountainous area (elevations above 10,000 feet) over a rough and uneven terrain with backpack/tools up to several miles in a day. Position is subject to frequent extended travel and camping in remote areas. Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks present a uniquely challenging work environment. These parks represent an extraordinary continuum of ecosystems (93% designated wilderness) arrayed along the greatest vertical relief (1,370 to 14,495 feet elevation) of any protected area in the lower 48 states. They are the highest, most rugged portion of the High Sierra Mountains. Selectee(s) must be able to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools and supplies of at least 50 lbs, and be able to camp for several days at a time. Additional information on the specific qualification requirements for this position is found in the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations. It is available for review on OPM's web site at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/x-118C/index.htm 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. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP/ICTAP eligible. If you are selected for Federal employment, you will be required to fill out a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on your application may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).
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 & 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. Poor air quality afflicts Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, especially during summer months - generally May to October. High ozone levels may be the most harmful pollutant here. In summer months, concentrations often exceed the federal ozone health standards. For more information: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm. 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.