Editor’s Note: Since posting the original article, the job posting on usajobs.gov has been “canceled.” The website states, “This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.”

The Vicksburg National Military Park, via their Facebook page, sent out an urgent call for applications for seasonal laborers.

“URGENT- PLEASE SHARE! Due to the loss of many of our newest maintenance staff at VNMP last week, these seasonal positions are vital and critical for the upkeep of our hallowed grounds, historic structures, and national cemetery,” the post reads. “Please encourage qualified candidates to apply ASAP! Thank you for helping us get the word out and get these positions filled quickly as our mowing season is just a few weeks away.”

The post references what some are calling “The Valentine’s Day Massacre,” in reference to layoffs implemented by the Trump Administration on Feb. 14. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, 1,000 National Park Service employees across the United States were laid off.

The lay offs targeted federal workers with “probationary status.” Probationary status simply means the person had been employed in his or her current position for less than one year, as opposed to being performance based.

The National Park Service remains under a hiring freeze. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, The Department of Interior has exempted 5,000 seasonal positions nationwide from the freeze.

The post links to a listing on usajobs.gov for “(Seasonal) Laborer (Motor Vehicle Operating)” with the Department of Interior, National Park Service, Vicksburg National Military Park.

The listing describes the job as “TEMPORARY Not to Exceed 1,039 hours positions. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is March – April but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 6, 2025.”

According to the listing, seasonal laborers will be responsible for:

• Upkeep and maintenance of trails, grounds, and buildings. This work is performed under general supervision.
• Operates hand tools and equipment (such as shovels, pulaskis, picks, digging bars and rakes) to perform trails and grounds maintenance and upkeep.
• Loads and unloads materials, supplies and signage needed for execution of trails and grounds upkeep duties.
  Safely cuts trees and heavy vegetation with axe, chainsaw, or powered brush cutters; stacks heavy logs, lumber, etc. or performs other duties requiring similar judgement and comparable physical effort.
• Applicants must have the ability to continuously walk on flat and sloping ground while carrying string trimmer and other landscaping equipment, and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Safely follow basic work practices in execution of normal duties. Executes equipment assembly, installation, repair, and operation per given instructions.