From 1959 to 1975 he worked at the Engels chemical fiber plant, reaching the post of director.

The next year he was appointed first secretary of the Saratov regional Party committee, a position he held to 1985.

[1] In 1985–86, Gusev was the first deputy premier of the Soviet Russia in the cabinet of Vitaly Vorotnikov.

Until the end of 1990 he was deputy premier of the USSR, Chairman of the bureau for the chemical industry and forestry.

[2] In December 1993, he was elected to the 1st State Duma by the Liberal Democratic Party list.