Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor – Fire and Aviation Management

Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor – Fire and Aviation Management (USFS Support) Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of national wildland fire response systems Position Details:

• Location:

Flexible / Remote (with potential travel)

• Type:

Full-time or consulting engagement

• Clearance:

May be required Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor to provide direct support to senior leadership within the United States Forest Service (USFS), focusing on fire and aviation management priorities. This role operates at the intersection of policy, operations, and executive communications , supporting the Deputy Director and Program Manager in advancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s priorities. The Advisor will play a critical role in shaping strategy, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring leadership has timely, evidence-based information to guide decision-making in a complex, high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Advisory & Program Support

• Work closely with the Deputy Director and staff to provide strategic advice and administrative support aligned with

USDA leadership priorities

• Support the WOFA Program Manager in advancing organizational initiatives and maintaining performance levels

Policy Analysis & Decision Support

• Conduct

independent research and in-depth analysis on fire and aviation management priorities

• Integrate quantitative data with operational insight to produce evidence-based recommendations
• Research and present diverse perspectives, clearly identifying implications for inclusive decision-making

Stakeholder Coordination & Engagement

• Engage internal and external stakeholders across USFS and interagency partners
• Ensure leadership has timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to inform decisions
• Coordinate closely with program officials to validate findings and recommendations

Strategy Development & Process Improvement

• Develop strategies to strengthen organizational performance and support management initiatives
• Design and document processes to operationalize new directives and improve efficiency

Communications & Executive Products

• Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and executive talking points on operational and policy matters
• Coordinate messaging with senior leadership and key stakeholders, including interagency partners
• Prepare clear, defensible products that articulate and explain complex and potentially sensitive policies and programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Natural Resources, or a related field

and at least 10 years of progressive experience ,

• OR
• A minimum of

20 years of directly relevant experience in wildland fire response, fire and aviation management, or closely related fields Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of

national wildland fire response systems

• Demonstrated experience with:
• Congressional reviews and reporting
• Large Fire Reviews (LFRs)
• Tactical and operational fire response
• Core Competencies
• Strong policy analysis and strategic advisory skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Experience working in federal or interagency environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level deliverables

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting senior federal leadership in advisory or staff roles
• Familiarity with

USFS fire and aviation management structures and interagency coordination frameworks

• Experience developing policy guidance, SOPs, or executive communication materials

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