National Park Service Loses 24% of Permanent Staff Amid DOGE Cuts, Hiring Freeze

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 19, 2026

The National Park Service has shed approximately 4,000 permanent employees—a 24% decline—since President Trump's return to office, through layoffs, buyouts, early retirements, and a hiring freeze, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. Despite the hiring freeze being lifted in October 2025, OPM and OMB policies capping federal hiring at one new hire for every four departures mean most vacancies remain unfilled, while park visitation hits record highs. The staffing collapse is a direct consequence of DOGE-driven federal workforce reductions, illustrating the large-scale displacement of government workers into the broader labor market and reduced demand for public-sector staffing. Seasonal hires have partially backfilled roles, but permanent career positions in science and resource management remain largely vacant.