Government seeks employee resumes for potential job cuts across various departments

The Interior Department, under the leadership of Secretary Doug Burgum, is set to undergo significant changes starting from May 4. One of the most notable changes is the appointment of Tyler Hassen as the department's new assistant secretary for policy, management, and budget. Hassen, previously serving in the Department of Government Efficiency, was tapped by Burgum for this role.

The department plans to centralize various functions, including human resources, IT, finance, contracting, communications, and international affairs. This consolidation is expected to impact several entities within the department, including the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Geological Survey (USGS).

At the NPS, employees are being asked to update their resumes and verify their personnel records for accuracy. A similar email has been sent to all NPS staff, outlining the preparations for the anticipated reductions-in-force (RIFs). Notably, 1,100 NPS employees have signed up for the second Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), but half of those requests are currently pending further review due to Burgum's order requiring all National Parks to remain open.

The USGS, too, is planning for RIFs to increase workforce efficiency. However, positions of high priority to achieve the department's mission, as well as those critical to public safety, will be exempted from the RIFs. The USGS has offered voluntary separation incentives to employees, including a second round of the DRP.

The Saxon Data Protection and Transparency Officer has also requested employees to submit their current short CVs. Meanwhile, HR staff are preparing for the early May consolidation into central Interior, which has stoked concerns of a chaotic rollout due to the condensed timeframe.

The Internal Revenue Service has also requested employees to turn over updated resumes in preparation for widespread layoffs. Multiple offices within the USDA have rejected employees applying for the DRP, such as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, out of fear of critical losses among staff.

The NPS human resources office, like others throughout Interior, is now ensuring all employees' documentation is up to date "in preparation for the RIF." The department's plan to consolidate functions across the department was first reported by Government Executive earlier this month and has since been confirmed by Secretary Doug Burgum in a memorandum.

Criticism of the changes has come from Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of governmental affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, who called Burgum's order "reckless and out of touch." Despite the concerns, the Interior Department presses on with its plans for consolidation and potential layoffs, aiming to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

Government seeks employee resumes for potential job cuts across various departments