National Park Service Faces Staffing Crisis Amid Layoffs and Restoration Efforts
The National Park Service (NPS) is in the midst of a significant staffing crisis as the Trump administration reverses course on its recent layoffs. In response to widespread criticism, the administration has announced plans to restore dozens of jobs and hire thousands of additional seasonal workers. This decision comes after the NPS faced backlash from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the public over its aggressive downsizing efforts, which many argued threatened public safety and the integrity of the nation’s parks.
Jobs Restored, Seasonal Hiring Boosted
The Trump administration has taken steps to address the backlash by restoring at least 50 jobs within the NPS. These positions are critical for maintaining park facilities, educating visitors, and collecting admission fees. Additionally, the agency has committed to hiring up to 7,700 seasonal workers this year, a significant increase from the initial promise of 5,000 and higher than the three-year average of 6,350 seasonal employees. The NPS currently employs around 20,000 people, but the layoffs and hiring challenges have left many parks understaffed.
Bipartisan Concerns and Criticism
The layoffs and staffing shortages have sparked concern across the political spectrum. Democratic lawmakers from Virginia, including two senators and six House members, penned a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, expressing their fears about the impact of the cuts on public safety and park protection. They emphasized the importance of these roles in safeguarding America’s natural assets. Similarly, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine raised concerns about the potential inability of Acadia National Park to hire enough seasonal workers for essential tasks such as trail maintenance and first responder services.
Impacts on Park Operations
The staffing cuts have already begun to affect park operations. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado, which attracts around 70,000 visitors annually, announced that it would close two days a week due to insufficient staffing. Advocacy groups warn that the permanent staff reductions will leave many parks understaffed, forcing them to make difficult decisions about operating hours, public safety, and resource protection. As the peak visitation season approaches, these challenges are expected to intensify.
Seasonal Hiring Offers Some Relief
While the increased hiring of seasonal workers is a positive step, advocates caution that it will take time to address the systemic issues caused by the layoffs. Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers, expressed a mix of optimism and skepticism. “I’m celebrating because eventually, they will be hired, but I’m leery to say everything’s been fixed,” Wade said. He noted that the layoffs and confusion over seasonal employment have created a chaotic situation, especially since some permanent employees in human resources—responsible for hiring and training seasonal workers—were among those laid off.
Leadership Vacuum Exacerbates the Crisis
Critics argue that the staffing crisis reflects a broader leadership vacuum within the Interior Department and the NPS. President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a permanent director for the NPS, a position that requires Senate confirmation. Jessica Bowron, the agency’s comptroller, has been serving as acting director, but many believe the lack of a confirmed leader has contributed to the chaos. Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, called for Interior Secretary Burgum to “step up and make sure these parks are operating at full capacity this spring and summer.” Whitehouse also criticized the Trump administration’s broader effort to downsize the federal workforce, which he said reflects a disconnect from the public’s appreciation for national parks. As the situation continues to unfold, the ability of the NPS to protect and preserve America’s treasured natural and historical sites remains a pressing concern.
