Mass firings of federal employees have left crucial jobs unfilled, threatening public health, safety, and the environment. From science outreach to protecting waterways and wildlife, these workers play a vital role in maintaining our communities.
The recent mass firings of federal employees have left many concerned about the impact on public health, safety, and the environment.
Six workers from various government agencies share their stories and highlight the crucial jobs that are no longer being done.
Katie Sandlin was just starting her new role as an outreach education specialist at the National Human Genome Research Institute when she received news of her impending termination. Her job involved creating activities and resources to help students, health workers, and the general public understand genomic and genetic data. This is essential for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual characteristics embedded in a person’s DNA.
Anna Tollfeldt was tasked with mapping fish-bearing streams to ensure that logging didn’t take place too close to these areas. She worked with the U.S. Forest Service in southeast Alaska to identify previously logged areas that should be restored to make the streams healthier for salmon. The impact of her firing on the local community is significant, as many employees were let go from a small office.
At the FDA, cartographers who create and maintain maps of U.S. airspace received termination letters in mid-February. These cartographers play a critical role in ensuring public safety by creating accurate maps that pilots and air traffic controllers rely on to avoid disasters. If these maps are not maintained properly, mistakes can happen, leading to widespread consequences.
Jim Landahl was tasked with planting willow trees at Bright Angel Campground in Grand Canyon National Park. However, before he could start the project, he received news of his termination. The restoration of vegetation affected by pipeline upgrades is now on hold, leaving visitors without shade and creating a public safety issue.
These stories highlight the crucial jobs that are no longer being done due to mass firings in federal agencies. From science outreach to protecting waterways and wildlife, these workers play a vital role in maintaining public health, safety, and the environment. The consequences of their termination will be felt for years to come, and it’s essential that we understand the impact on our communities.
Federal employees are individuals hired by the federal government to work in various agencies, departments, and organizations.
According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), there were over 2 million civilian federal employees as of 2020.
These employees serve in roles such as administrative support, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and scientists.
Federal employees are paid through the General Schedule pay system and receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
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- sciencenews.org | Fired federal workers share the crucial jobs no longer being done
