Last updated: July 22, 2026
Article
Scott Bigley: Experienced Services Program (ESP)
NPS / Kathy Huynh
Scott Bigley has spent over a quarter-decade with the National Park Service (NPS), dedicating much of his career to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan and completing a five-year assignment at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Illinois. After two years with the NPS’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC), working out of the Midwest Regional Hub at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Bigley chose to retire. Only a few months later, he returned to HPTC through the Experienced Services Program (ESP)—a government-wide initiative that offers temporary positions to individuals aged 55 and older, allowing them to apply their expertise to advance the NPS mission through supporting special projects.
Since joining ESP in January of 2026, Bigley spent some time in Washington, D.C., helping to rehabilitate the city’s benches alongside a wide range of Park Service employees. HPTC’s work in D.C. supports an Executive Order on “Making DC Safe and Beautiful,” supported in part by the Great American Outdoors Act and in preparation for ongoing celebrations for America’s 250th birthday. In May of 2026, Scott sat down to reflect on his career with the NPS, his experience in the Experienced Services Program, and the preparations for America’s 250th.
What has your journey in the National Park Service been like and how did you find yourself in the Experienced Services Program (ESP)?
“I’ve been with the Park Service for about 26 years. I started out as a WG-5 and worked my way up through carpentry leader and maintenance mechanic roles, eventually becoming a maintenance mechanic supervisor.
My career began at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where I spent roughly ten years. After that, I moved to Lincoln Home National Historic Site for five years before returning to Sleeping Bear Dunes as a maintenance mechanic supervisor. I spent another eight years there before being hired at HPTC as a Supervisory Exhibit Specialist. I was in that role for about two and a half years before accepting a position at Isle Royale, but, ultimately, I had to make the difficult decision to retire instead.
Before I left, there were already rumors about the ESP program, and a couple of folks at HPTC had reached out to me. It stayed in the back of my mind. After I retired, I actually received several calls from different parks, including HPTC. I already knew many of the people here—several of them I’d hired at different points in my career—so coming back just made sense. I enjoy the work. You won’t see me out in the field as much these days, but I still get to do scoping trips, estimates, paperwork, and similar tasks for projects that HPTC needs help on.”
NPS / Lewis King
How has your transition been from being an NPS employee to ESP?
“When I retired, I realized I needed to stay engaged a few days each week to maintain a sense of productivity. So, when I returned to work, I proposed a set number of hours and a four-day workweek, which has been an ideal arrangement. It has helped me stay focused, particularly with the administrative and planning tasks I used to handle while scoping projects. I also appreciate the opportunity to stay connected with the parks I visit. It truly feels like I am contributing again.
Much of the work I’m doing now is similar to what I did previously, but the key difference is that I no longer carry the responsibility of supervision—something I didn’t mind before but certainly don’t miss. I no longer need to manage employees’ leave requests, coordinate travel, or handle those logistical details for myself or the team. Those responsibilities are now managed by others, which has reduced my stress significantly.
Overall, it’s an excellent program. I continue to help with project scoping trips and complete the associated documentation while still collaborating with the team. Some tasks, like re-assembling benches, can be physically demanding, but the work is rewarding. For those who previously worked with NPS, it offers a meaningful way to stay engaged, contribute to special projects, and maintain connections with colleagues. It has been a very positive experience.”
When you decided to retire, were you planning on transitioning directly into your ESP position with NPS?
“No, I wasn’t. I had actually gone out and bought a three-quarter-ton truck with full intentions of spending my winters traveling—what we call in northern Michigan being a ‘snowbird.’ The plan was to head south when the snow started flying.
But then I found myself taking on remodeling projects for my son. He had purchased two rental homes, and I spent about four months renovating them. I genuinely enjoyed the work and realized I still really appreciate building and creating things.
Then, in late December, I received a call from HPTC asking if I was still interested in ESP. So, after roughly one month of retirement, the paperwork was underway once again.”
What does it mean to you to be working on this DC Beautification project as a part of America’s 250th birthday celebration?
“I believe this is a wonderful celebration for our country, and the ongoing beautification of Washington, D.C. will only enhance the experience. Our teams are coming together to support the national parks throughout the area, and everyone has been deeply engaged in the preparations. The crews are working extremely hard, challenging one another, and showing a strong willingness to learn and grow. Their dedication has allowed us to accomplish an impressive amount in a relatively short timeframe.
As a U.S. military veteran—and with my son also recently returning from overseas service—being in Washington, D.C. has been particularly meaningful. I visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Seeing the names of so many who sacrificed their lives was profoundly moving. I also toured Ford’s Theatre, which I found to be one of the most impactful experiences during my time here.”
NPS / Bob Saxton
What has been your greatest memory in your 26 years with the National Park Service?
“One of the most memorable projects of my NPS career was restoring the Martin & Allay Basch Farm in Sleeping Bear. The structure needed extensive work, including lifting much of the building to install a new foundation beneath it. Because the project fell at the end of the fiscal year, funding was limited, and we had to get creative with the materials we had on hand. Although we received designated funding for concrete, we managed to stretch those dollars by rebuilding the entire exterior envelope using surplus materials stored throughout the park.
Whenever I supervised crews, I made an effort to save any usable leftover materials. Sleeping Bear had many underused barns, and, over time, they became reliable storage spaces for these supplies. That inventory ultimately proved invaluable. For the Farm, we collected and repurposed materials from those barns to complete the exterior, and the final result exceeded expectations.
What made the project especially meaningful was the crew I worked with. A strong, collaborative team makes all the difference, and I was fortunate to have a group that was skilled, dedicated, and truly enjoyable to work alongside. Together, just four of us lifted the building, installed the new foundation, and tackled several other similar projects throughout the park.
Looking back, the restoration of the Martin & Allay Basch Farm remains one of my proudest and most rewarding experiences—not only because of the finished work, but because of the outstanding crew and the camaraderie we shared along the way.”