This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/484628600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position located in the Office of Regional Counsel (ORC), Region 4; Atlanta, Georgia. We are recruiting for the position of Regional Counsel.
The RC reports to the both the Assistant Administrator for the OECA and to the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The activities of the Office of Regional Counsel (ORC) are of major importance within the Region, and due to the potentially precedential effects thereof, may be of nationwide importance. These activities may have an unusual influence on the protection and enhancement of the Nation’s environment.
The RC serves as Region 4’s principal legal advisor to OECA, the Regional Administrator and Regional program managers and as such has responsibility for providing legal advice and policy recommendations on counseling and enforcement matters involving the whole range of environmental issues regulated by the EPA. The RC, through legal determination, recommendations and decisions, influences major litigation and Regional program operations. The RC reviews and resolves legal questions which arise under all regulations, lawsuits, enforcement actions, executive orders and other administrative actions involving major federal statutes affecting the Agency programs, which includes such statutes as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The RC is the focal point within the Region for resolution of legal issues arising under such statutes (with consultation with the OGC or the OECA, as appropriate).
In addition, the RC serves as Region 4’s principal enforcement advisor responsible for determining the goals, priorities, and objectives for the Region’s enforcement and compliance assurance program; representing the Region in high profile matters in its dealings with outside parties; and supervising and coordinating the work of a legal staff of attorneys and legal professionals in defensive and enforcement litigation resulting from activities under the relevant statutes. The RC also manages resources, plans and prepares budgets for submission, establishes internal operating policies, and assigns and evaluates work.
11/16/2017 to 12/18/2017
$124,406 - $187,000 per year
ES 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
Occasional travel - This position involves occasional travel.
No
Permanent
Full-time
00
Yes
EPA-SES-2018-0002
484628600
1. Reviews and resolves the legal questions which arise under all regulations, lawsuits, enforcement actions, executive orders and other administrative actions involving major Federal statutes affecting the Agency's programs, which include such statutes as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the toxic Substances Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
2. Provides the Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator and the Regional Divisions and Offices with general legal advice and policy recommendations concerning all Regional programs, operations and activities so that their major decisions are made with applicable legal considerations in mind.
3. Provides legal advice and policy recommendations to the Regional program managers responsible for enforcement matters. Assists in the preparation of major legal correspondence, notices of violation, administrative orders, litigation referrals and other enforcement documents and reviews such documents for legal sufficiency and consistency with Agency legal interpretations and policy guidance.
4. Drafts and reviews final Agency determinations, proposed and final regulations, notices and such other documents to be published in the Federal Register, including Agency actions on state air pollution plans, designations of sole source aquifers under the Safe Drinking Water Act, approvals and authorizations of state programs under the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and other Federal environmental statutes.
5. Supervises and coordinates the Region's participation in defensive and enforcement litigation resulting from the Region's activities under the statutes referred to above. Conducts discovery and prepares motions, briefs and other litigation documents.
6. Represents the Region in its dealings with outside parties, including negotiation of bilateral agreements, consent orders and judgments, and memoranda of understanding. Represents the Region in negotiating the settlement of disputed matters so as to avoid protracted and expensive litigation and facilitate expeditious administration of Agency programs.
7. Serves as hearing officer in hearings and deciding matters brought before the Agency and assists the Regional Administrator in preparing formal administrative decisions. Some such decisions (e.g., bid protests decisions arising under the construction grants program) are final Agency action subject to direct review in the Federal courts. Performs responsibilities which the Administrator has delegated to the Regional Counsel; such as rendering decisions on confidentiality of business information under 40 C.F.R. Part 2, which decisions also become final Agency action.
8. Represents the Region at conferences and meetings held with other Federal departments and agencies, Congressional committees and individual congressmen and senators, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, governors of states and staff offices of governors, state and local officials, representatives of private industry and farm groups, etc.
9. Serves as liaison between the Region and the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance to provide and effective channel of communication in order to assure that the Region obtains legal judgments and policy advice from such office and also to assure that such office is able to base such judgments and such advice upon accurate perceptions of the pertinent facts and Regional program objectives.
10. Serves as a national legal expert in one or more major subject matter areas. These areas involve highly complex matters relating to significant aspects of the Agency's policies and programs and require a very high degree of expertise. Maintains specialized expertise in such areas and serves as a consultant to other attorneys in the Agency.
11. Directs and manages the activities, staff and resources assigned to the office. Within delegated authority, the Regional Counsel exercises responsibility for developing plans, preparing the budget for submission, establishing internal operating policies and procedures, assigning and evaluating work, and providing direction to staff. Manages the selection, training, motivation, discipline, conseling and evaluation of the staff.
NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST CLICK ON THE "HOW TO APPLY" BUTTON FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS, THE MANDATORY TECHNICAL FACTORS, AND/OR THE DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION FACTORS.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service SES appointment, you are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements is available by going to the Office of Personnel Management's web site at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdfWhen responding to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.
Your narrative responses to the Executive Core Qualification statements (ECQs) should not exceed two pages per each ECQ and not more than 10 pages total.
Your narrative responses to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable factors should not exceed two pages per each factor.
ETHICS: The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Must complete 1-year SES probation period, if not previously completed.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: If you are a male and hired, and if you were born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required by P.L. 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Senior Executives are required to comply with the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act and must submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, upon assuming the position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION AND RELOCATION: In accordance with Federal and Agency travel regulations, the candidate selected for this position will not be reimbursed for travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty to this position.
TELEWORK/FLEXIPLACE: This position has portable work; therefore, the selectee will be eligible for telework.
BACKGROUND/SECURITY INVESTIGATION: If you are selected, a pre-employment background investigation is required.
DRUG TESTING: If you are selected, a pre-employment drug test is required.
TRAVEL: Position involves occasional travel.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the Agency to provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in employment through a continuing affirmative program.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT: EPA values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that will foster a productive work environment in which talents are fully utilized.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Executive Qualifications (ECQs), (B) Technical Qualifications (TQs), and (C) Desirable Qualifications (DQs). Response to the five ECQs and TQs is mandatory. Failure to address the ECQs and the TQs will result in your application being disqualified. Addressing the DQs is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating. All five ECQs must be addressed in a supplemental statement of your application. Your responses should be clear and concise and show a level of accomplishment and a degree of responsibility Leadership competencies for each ECQ can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf
A. Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)- Mandatory -- Note: Failure to address these factors will result in your application being disqualified.
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE Involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. Involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. Involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. Involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. Involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
B. Technical Qualifications (TQs) -- Mandatory -- Note: Failure to address these factors will result in your application being disqualified.
TQ1. Demonstrated experience dealing effectively with high level officials, or their equivalent in Congress, Federal, state, and/or local governments, public interest and/or community groups, academia, industry, and/or the general public to further the dialog of addressing complex multi-faceted legal or policy issues specific to enforcement matters.
TQ2. Demonstrated experience working with Federal environmental protection laws, regulations, and programs including familiarity with administrative, civil, and criminal judicial processes.
TQ3. Demonstrated experience working with the enforcement of laws and resolving complex compliance and enforcement issues.
C. Desirable Qualifications (DQs) - Optional (Note: Addressing the Desirable Qualifications is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating.)
DQ1. Demonstrated ability to communicate and provide advice on complex and politically-sensitive environmental issues orally and in writing.
To preview questions please click here.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM), you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements is available by going to the Office of Personnel Management's we site at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf
When responding to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of your programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per Executive Core Qualifications, and not more than 10 pages total. Technical Mandatory and/or Desirable factors should be limited to no more than two pages for each factor. The Ethics in Government Act, PL-95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position. You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), (B) Technical Qualifications (TQs), and (C) Desirable Qualifications (DQs). Response to the five ECQs and TQs is mandatory. Failure to address the ECQs and TQs will result in your application being disqualified. Addressing the DQs is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating. To begin the application process, click the Apply On-line button to the right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of this announcement. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USA Jobs document portfolio feature. If you cannot apply on-line, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed to the right for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the closing date of this announcement. For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), Technical Qualifications (TQs)and Desirable Qualifications (DQs), and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. If your application meets the basic qualifications, it will then be forwarded to a three member Rating Panel consisting of SES career members here at EPA for further review. The Rating Panel decides which Best Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official to make a selection. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official. If your application is not forwarded to the Rating Panel, you will be notified of the outcome of your application. You may call Patricia Moore, Human Resources Specialist, Executive Resources Division on (202) 564-0570 to get the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are not required to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Career Development Program approved by OPM), you must submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications questions in order to receive consideration for the position. Additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements is available by going to the Office of Personnel Management's we site at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf
When responding to the Mandatory Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the Technical and/or Desirable Qualifications and the Executive Core Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of your programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per Executive Core Qualifications, and not more than 10 pages total. Technical Mandatory and/or Desirable factors should be limited to no more than two pages for each factor. The Ethics in Government Act, PL-95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a financial disclosure statement, SF-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position. You must provide specific examples of your education, experience, training and awards in the manner and order instructed below which are applicable to each: (A) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), (B) Technical Qualifications (TQs), and (C) Desirable Qualifications (DQs). Response to the five ECQs and TQs is mandatory. Failure to address the ECQs and TQs will result in your application being disqualified. Addressing the DQs is optional; however, not addressing them will impact your rating. To begin the application process, click the Apply On-line button to the right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date of this announcement. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USA Jobs document portfolio feature. If you cannot apply on-line, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed to the right for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the closing date of this announcement. For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.
You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), Technical Qualifications (TQs)and Desirable Qualifications (DQs), and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. If your application meets the basic qualifications, it will then be forwarded to a three member Rating Panel consisting of SES career members here at EPA for further review. The Rating Panel decides which Best Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the Selecting Official to make a selection. Interviews are arranged through the Selecting Official. If your application is not forwarded to the Rating Panel, you will be notified of the outcome of your application. You may call Patricia Moore, Human Resources Specialist, Executive Resources Division on (202) 564-0570 to get the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/484628600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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