Scientists Scrub Toilets as Yosemite Faces Staffing Crisis
Amid sweeping federal layoffs, Yosemite National Park employees are stepping out of their job descriptions—and into rubber gloves. With custodial staff cut and seasonal hires delayed, even scientists are now scrubbing restrooms to keep the park open during peak season.
An internal email obtained by SFGate reveals that all Yosemite staff are expected to clean bathrooms in rotating shifts. Each shift takes 2–3 hours to clean five restrooms in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Staff have been trained in equipment use and health precautions, but morale has taken a hit.
Some employees are frustrated, not because they’re above the work, but because administrative leadership has shown little pushback to the cuts. Alternatives like bringing in portapotties were considered, but dismissed in favor of preserving Yosemite’s “exceptional visitor experience.”
One bright spot: during a training session, an employee remarked, “I’m proud to be wearing the same uniform as everyone else here.” The sentiment lifted spirits in a time of uncertainty.
Despite this all-hands-on-deck approach, not all campgrounds will open this summer. Only Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, and Upper Pines (sites 1–124) will be available, with limited booking windows.
Reservation Dates:
- July 15–Aug 14: Available April 15
- Aug 15–Sept 14: Available May 15
- Sept 15–Oct 14: Available June 15
- Oct 15–Nov 14: Available July 15
Bookings go live at 7:00 AM on Recreation.gov. With fewer sites, early reservations are essential for summer campers in Yosemite.
