Department of the Interior

Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Washington, District of Columbia Full time

Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $150160 - $225700 Per Year

Job Summary: This position reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, at the Department of the Interior, located in Washington, DC. The Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary - Fish and Wildlife and Parks serves as an advisor, coordinating sensitive policy matters and maintaining communication with various government officials. The minimum pay is $150,160, with salary considerations based on the selectee's current salary and other factors.

Major Duties:

  • In this pivotal role, you will act as a key liaison, fostering collaboration among various organizational elements within the Department, Congressional committee staffs, and officials from other branches of the Federal Government. You will also engage with State, local, and Tribal government officials to ensure effective communication and coordination on critical issues. As an advisor on policy matters of a confidential nature, your expertise will be instrumental in guiding strategic decisions and advancing our mission. Below are the key duties of the position: 1. Oversee and facilitate the coordination of sensitive policy items between the Assistant Secretary and senior officials across the Department. Transmit and articulate the Assistant Secretary's policy perspectives on various programs, correspondence, proposed legislation, and related matters to ensure alignment and effective communication. 2. Represent the Assistant Secretary in high-level Department meetings, ensuring accurate representation of the Assistant Secretary's perspectives while diligently reporting back on other viewpoints. Maintain accountability by ensuring that all commitments made by the Assistant Secretary during departmental meetings are fully executed and completed. 3. Review and edit policy statements developed by programs under the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure alignment with the directives and viewpoints of the Assistant Secretary. 4. Monitor and analyze legislative matters of interest to keep the Assistant Secretary informed of their status and progress. Leverage an understanding of the Assistant Secretary's policy viewpoints to conduct a thorough review of proposed legislation, identifying and highlighting sections that may conflict with established policy. Provide recommendations for policy alternatives to be incorporated as necessary. 5. Provide advisory support on legislative and policy matters by analyzing relevant issues and writing reports on legislation of interest to the Assistant Secretary - Fish and Wildlife and Parks, while also attending and summarizing Congressional hearings. 6. Conduct in-depth analyses of critical issues for the Assistant Secretary, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy while developing recommended courses of action within tight deadlines. Review and prepare congressional testimony to align with the Assistant Secretary's policies. This position is essential for ensuring that the Assistant Secretary's policy initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented across various levels of government and within the Department. By coordinating sensitive policy matters, representing the Assistant Secretary in high-stakes environments, and analyzing legislative developments, the Chief of Staff will play a crucial part in shaping the strategic direction of our organization. The ability to foster collaboration and navigate complex issues will directly contribute to advancing our mission and enhancing our impact on wildlife conservation and public lands management.

Qualifications: Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a two-page resume (max) that shows you possess the two Technical Qualifications (TQs). To be considered, only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Technical Qualifications (TQs) are designed to assess an applicant's experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your experience and accomplishments related to the two TQs below: TQ1. The ability to integrate Secretarial and Administration goals and priorities by leading strategic policy planning, budget alignment, and program execution, while facilitating interagency and stakeholder engagement to build consensus and advance national priorities in Fish, Wildlife, and Parks TQ2. Demonstrated ability to lead execution of complex tasks by setting priorities, managing multiple assignments, ensuring timely and effective completion of work, fostering accountability, and contributing to the achievement of long-term organizational goals. Qualifications will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of your programs; services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of your actions taken. Typically experience will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations.

How to Apply: You must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To receive consideration, the complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HARD-COPY OR E-MAIL APPLICATION PACKAGES. Select Apply. If you are not logged in, you will be prompted to log in or create an account. Prompted to Start the Application Process by selecting "Start Application." Click here for USAJobs Help with "How to create an application Add your two-page resume. Resume must be in PDF Format. Select the documents you want to be included in this application. Review the package to acknowledge that your documents were reviewed. After reading and certifying the application is true and submitted in good faith, select "Continue to Agency Site." Follow onscreen prompts and instructions to complete your application. Add the supporting documents by indexing your documents with the dropdown. Upload any missing required documents or optional documents. Review and Submit Application. While logged in, you can check the status of your application by selecting "+" next to the job title for this position. You can review or revise your application at any point during the open period of the announcement. To update an application, you should log into your USAJOBS account and select "+" next to the job title for this position. Select "Update Application" for this job. Note: When you click Update Application, you will be prompted to re-select your documents from USAJOBS. Documents submitted with the first application will no longer be associated with the applicant record. So you must select all documents you want to use in the re-application.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-06