The recent federal hiring freeze and a letter encouraging federal employees to consider resignation are causing significant concern within the National Park Service (NPS), particularly in parks like Glacier National Park. This news comes as national parks prepare for the busy summer season, raising questions about staffing and park operations.
Impacts of the Hiring Freeze on National Parks
Glacier National Park, like many other large national parks, relies heavily on hundreds of seasonal employees to manage various aspects of park operations. These seasonal workers fill crucial roles such as operating campgrounds, maintaining facilities, clearing trails, and serving as park rangers. With a record 3.2 million visitors last year, the park is already facing challenges in meeting visitor needs. The hiring freeze threatens to exacerbate these challenges by preventing the park from filling essential seasonal positions.
The hiring freeze, instituted by President Trump, combined with a letter from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) urging “deferred resignation,” has created uncertainty and anxiety among NPS employees. The “Fork in the Road” letter, reminiscent of a similar communication sent to Twitter employees under Elon Musk’s leadership, offers employees the option to resign by February 6th while retaining pay and benefits until September 30, 2025.
Legality and Concerns Surrounding the Resignation Offer
The legality and feasibility of the deferred resignation program have been questioned by legal experts and employee unions. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has voiced concerns, citing legal opinions that challenge the program’s validity. Furthermore, unions like the American Federation of Government Employees warn that employees who accept the offer may not be protected from layoffs or other adverse actions before the September 2025 deadline. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has also publicly advised federal employees to be wary of the offer, suggesting it could be a deceptive tactic.
Conflicting Perspectives and Future Implications
While Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) expressed support for park employees and a commitment to working with the administration, the OPM letter itself warns of potential downsizing across federal agencies, including the NPS. The letter indicates that restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force are likely, with furloughs and reclassification of employees to at-will status as possibilities.
John Garder, Senior Director of Budget and Appropriations at the NPCA, estimates the hiring freeze impacts thousands of seasonal and permanent positions nationwide, including ranger positions with rescinded job offers. He also noted that a previous OPM directive exempting seasonal employees appears to have been removed from the agency’s website.
The uncertainty surrounding staffing levels raises concerns about the ability of national parks to maintain operations and provide adequate visitor services during the peak season. The potential loss of experienced employees and the inability to hire seasonal staff could have long-term consequences for the NPS and the preservation of America’s national parks. The situation continues to evolve, and the impact on the National Park Service remains to be seen.
