WASHINGTON — The administration is reinstating jobs for numerous employees of the National Park Service who were let go as part of a broader government downsizing effort. Additionally, nearly 3,000 new seasonal positions will be added following significant backlash over proposed significant cuts to the agency.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that at least 50 jobs will be reinstated to support park maintenance, education for visitors, and the collection of admission fees. These announcements come amid the park service’s confirmation of plans to hire up to 7,700 seasonal workers this year, an increase from the initial estimate of 5,000, surpassing the three-year average of 6,350 seasonal hires. Currently, the park service has a workforce of approximately 20,000.
Critics, including lawmakers and advocacy groups, have condemned the extensive layoffs, arguing they pose a risk to public safety and the integrity of the national parks. In a recent letter, Virginia’s Democratic senators and six Democratic House representatives emphasized the importance of these roles in safeguarding the country’s natural assets, ensuring public safety, and maintaining high standards within the parks.
“There is a significant concern that if these decisions are not reconsidered, the Park Service’s capability to protect its visitors and natural resources will be notably weakened, especially as we approach the peak visitation period,” they communicated to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
The worry regarding the layoffs transcends party lines, with Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine expressing her concern about Acadia National Park’s ability to effectively hire seasonal employees responsible for collecting entrance fees, maintaining trails, and providing emergency services to tourists.
The peak season sees the addition of seasonal workers to accommodate over 325 million annual visitors to the nation’s 433 parks and historical locations. Advocates for the parks assert that cutting permanent staff will lead to severe understaffing in numerous national parks, including some of the most famous and frequently visited areas, resulting in difficult choices regarding operating hours, safety measures, and resource conservation.
A representative for the Interior Department refrained from providing comments on the matter, and no responses were received from the park service regarding inquiries.
Although the intention to hire additional seasonal workers is viewed positively, Bill Wade, the executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers and former superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, cautioned that it will take time to effectively recruit enough seasonal workers to address the shortcomings discussed.
Recent days have seen the withdrawal of job offers for thousands of seasonal workers, with certain individuals unlikely to be reinstated. Consequently, some of those laid off were in human resources roles, critical for the recruitment and training of seasonal staff.
Wade noted, “While I’m cautiously optimistic about the eventual rehiring, I remain skeptical that everything is resolved,” highlighting that the situation followed a voluntary departure scheme offered by the administration to an undetermined number of park employees.
Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, criticized the lack of a coherent staffing strategy, indicating a state of disarray and a void in leadership from the Secretary of the Interior. Whitehouse urged for immediate action from Burgum to ensure guaranteed operational capacity in parks during the spring and summer months, including popular sites like Zion National Park in Utah.
“National parks hold immense value for all Americans, yet those making crucial decisions seem disconnected from this truth,” he remarked, specifically referencing the influence of billionaire Elon Musk and his team in executing the large-scale layoffs of federal employees.
As of now, President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a permanent director for the National Park Service, a role requiring Senate approval; in the interim, Jessica Bowron has assumed the position of acting director.
