Potential RIF during government shutdown

A recent court filing reveals that the Department of Interior intends to potentially eliminate an additional 2,000 jobs across the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey. The reduction in force (RIF) would coincide with the second-longest shutdown of the federal government, currently totaling 27 days. This move comes despite a ruling by a federal judge in California, who found that the RIF could not proceed during the shutdown. The federal judge stated that using the shutdown to implement layoffs is “both illegal and in excess of authority, and is arbitrary and capricious,” according to NPR.

Highlighting the real-world consequences of the proposed cuts to wildlife professionals, Ed Arnett, CEO of TWS, told Outdoor Life, “We’re going to lose scientific capacity to inform habitat management projects and to manage harvest and the impacts of human disturbances like energy development,” and said that he has fears some conservation programs may be permanently lost.

TWS continues to monitor the situation and stand with our members and colleagues affected by recent federal workforce reductions.

Click here to access the court filing.

TWS is committed to advocating for our members and colleagues affected by recent federal workforce reductions and providing resources to support your professional and personal well-being during this time.