The Regional Solicitor represents and acts for the Solicitor as the chief legal officer for the Department of the Interior for legal matters covered in the Southeast Region. Responsibilities include:
Reviews completed work of attorneys for effectiveness and success of actions taken; determines work load; reviews and determines fiscal and personnel requirements for a legal and administrative staff; determines the impact of new programs and projects; and, reviews budgetary demands involved in the Regional operations as well as participating in the same activities for the Office of the Solicitor nationwide.
Implements legal policies, procedures, decisions and practices prescribed by the Solicitor for Departmental programs and issues. The Regional Solicitor demonstrates specialized legal expertise in a vast and varied array of legal fields including 1) administrative law and procedures; 2) legislative law and procedures; 3) constitutional law and procedures; 4) laws and procedures affecting Indians; 5) international law and procedures; 6) court rules and procedures; 7) contract and procurement laws; 8) real and personal property laws; 9) labor-management laws; and 10) specific and related laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the various Departmental bureaus, offices, programs, functions and activities.
Appears as Department counsel in contract negotiations, administrative hearings and proceedings; reviews and prepares documents, contracts, grants, leases, and wills; develops legal theories, tactics, and procedures; prepares for and assists in the trial of matters litigated and appealed in Federal Courts; furnishes technical and policy guidance in the solution of complex legal issues; performs exhaustive research; furnishes legal advice, opinions, decisions and new and novel legal procedures, instruments, and documents required to facilitate and provide the most effective operation, administration and enforcement of various Departmental programs and activities.
The Regional Solicitor represents the Solicitor, the Secretary, and other Departmental officials in meetings, negotiations and conferences with Governors and key officials of state and local governments, Members of Congress and their staffs, State and Federal Judges, distinguished private attorneys, and high officials of other Federal agencies and the Department.
More requirements are listed within the Qualifications and Evaluations Tab.
-A public trust background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. -OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office. -You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position. -The incumbent of this position will be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) and the supplemental form, Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interest (DI-278). All forms must be filed within 30 days after the selection for this position. -If selected for initial appointment to the career Senior Executive Service must have their Executive Core Qualifications certified by an Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board prior to appointment and will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
As a basic requirement, applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience that is directly related to the duties described and MUST demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirement and all executive and technical qualification factors automatically disqualifies an applicant.
You must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of an executive. All applicants must address each of the TQs listed below. 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 Candidate Development Program approved by OPM and been certified by OPM, you must also submit a narrative statement covering each of the ECQs listed below. EACH TQ AND EACH ECQ MUST BE ADDRESSED SEPARATELY. Your examples should be clear and concise, 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. The narrative addressing ECQs should follow the format provided at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/ and https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf. Narrative statements may not exceed 2 pages for each individual TQ and 10 pages total for the ECQs. If you exceed these limits or fail to address TQ or ECC specifically, YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Applicants who use "see resume" as a response will not receive consideration for this position.
Technical Qualifications:
1. Expert knowledge of and competency in the application of the full range of laws and regulations related to most of these areas: grazing, natural resource damage assessment and restoration, education, water resources, Indian affairs, fish and wildlife, parks, energy, minerals, mining, procurement, patents, grants, contracts, real and personal property, land management, tort claims, environmental impact, equal employment opportunity, personnel, Freedom of Information Act, and litigation.
2. Demonstrated executive level ability to manage a legal program with diverse activities, including experience developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing policies, procedures, and operations.
3. Demonstrated executive level ability to coordinate and oversee both litigation and administrative proceedings.
Executive Core Qualifications:ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: You must have demonstrated an 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. Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision.
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: You must demonstrate 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. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building.
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification 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. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This ECQ involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management.
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This ECQ 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. Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating. FUNDAMENTAL COMPETENCIES: The following competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Written Communication, Continual Learning, Public Service Motivation.
Education
You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar. Proof of bar certification will be required prior to appointment.
Additional information
-Relocation expenses are not authorized. -Veterans Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service SES. -Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. --The duties of this position are suitable for telework with supervisor approval. --If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, upon selection, 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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants who meet all the mandatory technical and executive core qualifications will be evaluated by a panel of SES members to determine the degree to which they possess each of the listed qualifications. This evaluation will determine which applicants are best qualified. Total background, including experience, education, awards, self-development, and training will be reviewed. This information will be obtained from the application package, including the required narrative statements for the technical and executive core qualifications. 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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes: 1. REQUIRED. Your resume – it must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement. Insufficient information will result in a not qualified rating. It is recommended that you include the following information: Full name, mailing address, telephone numbers, bar membership information, Educational information, information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position. 2. REQUIRED. A narrative statement addressing each of the TQs and ECQs. Each ECQ and technical qualification must be addressed separately. ECQ narrative statements must not exceed 10 pages and 2 pages for each individual TQ and each individual ECQ. OR... If you are a graduate of an approved SES Candidate Development Program, you must include a copy of the OPM certification of eligibility and a narrative statement addressing only the technical qualifications. OR...If you are a current or former SES member, you must submit documentation of your SES status and a narrative statement addressing only the technical qualifications. 3. REQUIRED. If you are a current Federal employee, a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service. Please remove your social security number and date of birth. 4. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (from either the Federal or private sector). Please remove your social security number.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
The application package must be received on-line via USAJOBS before 11:59 pm Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete application, you will not be considered. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, please speak to a Servicing Human Resources Office for assistance, prior to the closing date.
Instructions for Applying Online: 1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application. If you are a registered user, login in to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and documents to attach to the application. 4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5) Address the eligibility and narrative questions. 6) Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk. Note: USAJOBS is compatible with the following browser versions: Internet Explorer 9 or higher, Safari v 5 or higher, Chrome, and Firefox.
INTERIOR, Office of the Solicitor
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 157
Reston, Virginia 20192
United States
Next steps
We will conduct a qualifications evaluation of applicants who supply all requested material. Qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by a panel. Best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome after completion of the selection process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes: 1. REQUIRED. Your resume – it must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement. Insufficient information will result in a not qualified rating. It is recommended that you include the following information: Full name, mailing address, telephone numbers, bar membership information, Educational information, information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position. 2. REQUIRED. A narrative statement addressing each of the TQs and ECQs. Each ECQ and technical qualification must be addressed separately. ECQ narrative statements must not exceed 10 pages and 2 pages for each individual TQ and each individual ECQ. OR... If you are a graduate of an approved SES Candidate Development Program, you must include a copy of the OPM certification of eligibility and a narrative statement addressing only the technical qualifications. OR...If you are a current or former SES member, you must submit documentation of your SES status and a narrative statement addressing only the technical qualifications. 3. REQUIRED. If you are a current Federal employee, a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service. Please remove your social security number and date of birth. 4. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (from either the Federal or private sector). Please remove your social security number.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
The application package must be received on-line via USAJOBS before 11:59 pm Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete application, you will not be considered. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, please speak to a Servicing Human Resources Office for assistance, prior to the closing date.
Instructions for Applying Online: 1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application. If you are a registered user, login in to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and documents to attach to the application. 4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5) Address the eligibility and narrative questions. 6) Submit required documents. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk. Note: USAJOBS is compatible with the following browser versions: Internet Explorer 9 or higher, Safari v 5 or higher, Chrome, and Firefox.
INTERIOR, Office of the Solicitor
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 157
Reston, Virginia 20192
United States
Next steps
We will conduct a qualifications evaluation of applicants who supply all requested material. Qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by a panel. Best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome after completion of the selection process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.