Deputy Director Operations

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 186,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C. seeks a Deputy Director, Operations in the Senior Executive Service to lead Service-wide operations and set strategic priorities in coordination with the Director.

You will oversee regional operations, advise on organizational management, resources, and policy implementation, and ensure adherence to statutory and Departmental requirements. You will represent the Director in engagements with Congress, OMB, and other agencies to advance

Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the FWS Regional Offices, establishing priorities and coordinating activities across organizational boundaries.
• Advise the Director on organizational management, operational effectiveness, and resource requirements; evaluate structures and management practices.
• Oversee implementation of Departmental policies, priorities, and management initiatives with compliance to laws and regulations.
• Align and oversee resources with Service priorities; evaluate programs and investments; identify operational challenges and direct corrective actions.
• Represent the Director and FWS in engagements with Congress, OMB, DOI, and interagency forums to advance Service priorities.
• Exercise the Director's authority during the Director's absence to ensure continuity of executive leadership.

Job description

Open: November 9, 2026 — Closes: November 24, 2026

Summary

The Department of the Interior is seeking highly qualified candidates for the Senior Executive Service (SES) position of Deputy Director, Operations, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, located in Washington, D.C. The Department classifies SES positions by category to establish minimum pay levels. This position is designated as Category 1, with a minimum annual salary of $207,060 Veterans' preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES).

Major Duties

As the Deputy Director of Operations, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), you will lead Service-wide operations, establish strategic and operational priorities in coordination with the Director, and oversee their implementation to advance the Service's national conservation mission and achieve organizational results. Major Duties: Direct the day-to-day operations of the FWS Regional Offices, establishing priorities, coordinating activities across organizational boundaries, resolving significant operational issues, and ensuring consistent implementation of national policies. Advise the Director on organizational management, operational effectiveness, and resource requirements; evaluate organizational structures and management practices; and direct or recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, performance, and internal controls. Oversee implementation of Departmental and Administration policies, priorities, and management initiatives, ensuring compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory, and Departmental requirements. Align and oversee fiscal, human, organizational, information, and other resources with Service priorities; evaluate performance and major programs and investments; identify operational challenges; and direct or recommend corrective actions. Review significant Service-wide policy, management, operational, and program recommendations; consider relevant scientific, legal, fiscal, economic, and administrative factors; and approve actions within delegated authority or provide recommendations to the Director and other approving officials. Represent the Director and FWS in engagements with Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of the Interior, other Federal agencies, and interagency forums to advance Service priorities, negotiate solutions, and resolve significant program and operational issues. Exercise the Director's authority, consistent with applicable delegations, during the Director's absence to ensure continuity of executive leadership and operational oversight.