(KMJ) – A new report from the Interior Department inspector general details the allegations made against the former Superintendent of Yosemite National Park, Don Neubacher.
The report says that more than half of the 71 employees interviewed witnessed former Superintendent Neubacher undermine a team member’s competence or performance. Neubacher allegedly ridiculed employees, calling their ideas “dopey” or “stupid”, or that the ideas would “make managers look like bozos”.
The investigation looked at allegations of preferential treatment, gender bias and discrimination against female employees – but investigators said in the report they found no evidence that management decisions were motivated by bias or favoritism.
After allegations he created a toxic work environment, Neubacher retired last fall. His wife, also a park service employee, retired as well. Neubacher headed Yosemite National Park for nearly 7 years, and spent 37 years in the NPS.
(Photo: Don Neubacher, National Park Service)
National Park Service Regional Spokesperson Andrew Munoz released this statement:
“The National Park Service thanks the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) for providing an opportunity for our employees to be heard, their concerns to be reviewed by a neutral third party, and for conducting an impartial investigation.
The OIG’s investigation served as a valuable catalyst for organizational self-reflection; we recognize we can and must do better to cultivate a workplace environment where everyone can thrive.
Many steps have been taken to improve the workplace throughout the National Park Service, including at Yosemite National Park. Over the past year, the NPS introduced new, service-wide anti-harassment training; increased employee awareness of their rights in the workplace; conducted a comprehensive workforce survey and created a new confidential resource for employees to seek assistance on sensitive workplace issues.
While these actions are a step in the right direction, we know that cultural change will take time. The National Park Service is committed to an ongoing assessment and improvement of our workplace environment.”
