Budget cuts delaying Glacier Park superintendent hire

Federal budget sequestration is having an impact on the hiring process for a new superintendent for Glacier National Park.

Park spokeswoman Denise Germann confirmed last week that the hiring has been delayed by federally mandated budget cuts. Under the cuts, the National Park Service put a freeze on hiring for permanent positions, including the superintendent position. The regional offices need a waiver from Washington to hire a replacement, which is causing a delay, she said.

Former superintendent Chas Cartwright retired in December, and the post has been filled since then on an interim basis by deputy superintendent Kym Hall. Hall has also publicly expressed an interest in becoming the Park’s permanent superintendent.

The Park has also had to delay filling the position for a plumber and the Lake McDonald subdistrict ranger post. That latter was filled by Gary Moses, who recently retired.

Germann said the Park has interviewed candidates to fill the positions but can’t offer jobs until the waiver request is granted.