Leading the Future: Chief of Staff at the U.S. Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service is currently inviting applications for the position of Chief of Staff within the National Office Fire and Safety, Fire and Aviation Management division. This senior-level leadership opportunity is designed for individuals with significant experience in strategic planning, organizational administration, and mission-critical coordination. As a GS-15, you will serve as a primary advisor to executive leadership, shaping policies that safeguard our nation’s forests and aviation operations.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of the Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) office. Key duties include:

Strategic Oversight: Planning and managing special projects that have a national impact on program effectiveness.
Liaison Work: Coordinating with top agency, Administration, and Congressional officials to resolve complex policy inquiries.
Problem Solving: Monitoring major agency projects and resolving bottlenecks before they impact mission success.
Evaluation: Analyzing program objectives and resource utilization to ensure maximum operational efficiency.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet strict criteria set by the Office of Personnel Management:

Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
Documentation: You must provide a comprehensive resume, not exceeding two pages, along with relevant SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
Security: A successful background investigation and fingerprint check are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Position Level	GS-15
Salary Range	$147,945 - $192,331 per year
Locations	Boise, ID or Salt Lake City, UT
Eligibility	Competitive/Internal/Land Mgmt

Benefits

Employees of the Forest Service enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive federal health insurance plans.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Ample annual and sick leave accruals.
Flexibility regarding telework, as applicable to the position.
Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified individuals.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is absolute; exceeding it will disqualify your application.
Assessment Readiness: If notified to take the USA Hire assessment, prioritize it immediately as it is a critical step in your qualification process.
Clarity: Use the language from your own experience to match the "Specialized Experience" definitions outlined in the job description.

Serving as a Chief of Staff for the U.S. Forest Service is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned leader. If you have the drive to manage complex national programs and the expertise to guide agency policy, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.

Why This Chief Of Staff Job Matters

Shape the future of national wildfire safety and aviation management in this high-impact executive leadership role within the U.S. Forest Service.

Chief Of Staff Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to serve as Chief of Staff within the National Office Fire and Safety, Fire and Aviation Management division. This pivotal GS-15 role involves managing agency-wide strategic projects, facilitating mission-critical communications, and providing executive-level support to the Chief Fire and Safety Officer. The successful candidate will navigate complex organizational challenges to ensure operational excellence across fire and aviation programs.

Requirements for Chief Of Staff

U.S. Citizenship or National.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered.
Must be 18 years of age.
Complete a 1-year probationary period.
Subject to continuous automated record checks and background investigation.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Direct deposit of federal pay is required.
E-Verify employment verification check required.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Of Staff

Extensive experience in strategic planning and organizational management.
Proven success in coordinating complex, cross-boundary programs.
Strong communication skills for interacting with top agency and Congressional officials.
Ability to analyze and evaluate multifaceted Fire and Aviation Management policies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health and Life Insurance
✓Federal Retirement Program
✓Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
✓Relocation/Recruitment incentives may be authorized
✓Potential for daycare and government housing assistance
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Chief Of Staff Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Of Staff Job

Submit your resume (max 2 pages) through the online portal.
Complete all required questionnaires and assessments.
Upload supporting documentation, including SF-50 and performance appraisals if applicable.
Monitor email for USA Hire assessment instructions.
Submit your final package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit.
Verify that all documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, DOC, TXT).
Highlight specific examples of how you have led organizational change at the GS-14 level.
Double-check that your uploaded documents appear in the agency's specific staffing system after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience requirement?

No, there is no substitution of education allowed for this GS-15 level position.

What is the work location?

This position is available in either Boise, Idaho, or Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job from Forest Service

The Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. Beyond conservation, the agency maintains extensive research laboratories and provides critical assistance to state and private forestry partners. Joining this organization means taking on the responsibility of managing one of the world's most vital natural assets while working in a high-stakes, collaborative environment.