Attached is the letter from Lisa Northrop, Associate Deputy Chief, Business Operations at US Department of Agriculture in response to our letter: USFS Seasonal Hiring and Budget Guidance Comments
United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Washington Office
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250
File Code: 6130 (8975436)
Date: November 18, 2024
Scott Jones, Esq.
Vice Chair
United Snowmobile Alliance
scott.jones46@yahoo.com
Dear Mr. Jones:
Thank you for your letter of September 30, 2024, cosigned by your colleagues to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Chief Randy Moore regarding the Agency’s fiscal year 2025 temporary and seasonal hiring practices. Chief Moore has asked me to respond.
The Forest Service is facing unprecedented budget challenges in fiscal year 2025. Due to current budget constraints, we cannot hire non-fire seasonal, temporary employees except in limited circumstances. This decision is based on the intention to focus limited resources on current workforce and infrastructure needs.
The safety and enjoyment of our visitors remain top priorities. We understand this loss for the Nation’s forests and grasslands may impact visitor experiences. However, we will do everything we can to limit those impacts. We are working with partners to fill gaps, including maintaining trails, campgrounds, recreation areas, and other important services.
Over the past two years, the Forest Service has increased our permanent workforce by over 20 percent. The Agency has hired more than 1,200 permanent seasonal employees instead of a similar number of temporary (1039) employees. Hiring permanent seasonal employees provides the Agency with greater stability. It also improves workforce retention by affording health and retirement benefits to many employees previously hired in temporary (1039) positions year after year without those benefits.
If additional funding becomes available, we hope to have better hiring options in the coming year. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenges.
Again, thank you for writing and your interest in the Nation’s forests and grasslands. If you have further questions, please contact Human Resources Management at 1-877-372-7248 or hrm_contact_center@usda.gov. We encourage you to share this response with your colleagues.
Sincerely,
LISA NORTHROP
Associate Deputy Chief, Business Operations