Ranger Says He's 'Completely Devastated' to Have Lost 'Dream' National Parks Job After Firing by the Trump Administration

Mar. 15, 2025

The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa.Photo: Travel Iowa Tourism

In a candidFacebook post, Brian Gibbs, who worked as an education ranger at theEffigy Mounds National Monumentin Iowa, wrote about his Feb. 14 firing and how he was “absolutely heartbroken and completely devastated to have lost mydream job.”

“I am a father, a loving husband and a dedicated civil servant. I am an oath of office to defend and protect the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I am a work evaluation that reads ‘exceeds expectations,’ the post continued, in part, as Gibbs added he is “being trimmed as a consequence of the popular vote.”

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The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa.

In his social media post, Gibbs also detailed what his last day at the Effigy Mounds National Monument looked like, explaining that “access to my government email was denied mid-afternoon and my position was ripped out from out under my feet after my shift was over at 3:45 p.m. on a cold snowy Friday.”

“Additionally, before I could fully print off my government records, I was also locked out of my electronic [personnel] file that contained my secure professional records,” he continued.

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Speaking withToday.comfor a recent interview, Gibbs further recalled his final work day and how his supervisor warned him and other probationary full-time employees at the start of their shifts to prepare to be terminated. Later in the day, his superior texted him to confirm his role was “terminated effective immediately.”

In a termination letter, which Gibbs told the outlet he did not get until he requested a copy from his supervisor, the reason for his firing was because he “failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment” and because his “subject matter, knowledge, skills and abilities do not meet the department’s needs.” (Gibbs told Today.com, however, that he had a performance rating of “exceeds expectations” and no negative feedback.)

The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa.Effigy Mounds National Monument/Facebook

Effigy Mounds National Monument/Facebook

Looking ahead, Gibbs — who was hired for his role under aconditional competitive service status— said he is worried about what these recent layoffs will mean for national parks across the United States.

“Seasonal park employees are incredibly important because they serve such a grand variety of roles,” he told Today.com. “Whether that is law enforcement, resource protection or visitor services.”

“I obviously feel very shaken and do have to worry about the future protection and preservation of our public lands,” Gibbs continued.

“I also understand that there have been many different administrative changes that have happened since the National Park Service was established, and I also understand that it takes a collective will of the people to advocate and to show up for these places, so that’s where I’m putting my time and energy and thoughts,” he added to the outlet.

The NPS, as well as the Trump administration, did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com