EPA’s Office of General Counsel invites talented and diverse attorneys to apply for an Attorney-Adviser position. This position will be in the Air and Radiation Law Office.
Summary
EPA’s Office of General Counsel invites talented and diverse attorneys to apply for an Attorney-Adviser position. This position will be in the Air and Radiation Law Office.
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel less than 1 to 5 days per month.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
14 - When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.
OGC serves as the chief legal advisor to the Agency's senior management and program offices on Agency rules, permits, response actions, implementation actions, litigation and legislation. OGC lawyers also work with attorneys in the Department of Justice to represent the Agency in defensive litigation in the federal courts. Some offices within OGC independently handle litigation in front of the Environmental Appeals Board to defend EPA actions such as pesticide decisions in formal hearings. We routinely engage in challenging issues, addressing complex, and often novel or cutting-edge legal issues. OGC attorneys assume great responsibility and quickly become national experts in their assigned areas. They also develop strong analytical, problem solving and communications skills while working closely with their program policy clients, other OGC colleagues, other agencies, and outside stakeholder groups. OGC prides itself on its core values of excellence, community, work-life balance, integrity, empowerment and responsibility, and respect.
The Attorney-Adviser works under the supervision of the Associate General Counsel and/or the Deputy Associate General Counsel. We are currently seeking to hire one attorney for the Air and Radiation Law Office. The Air and Radiation Law Office consists of six practice groups that provide legal counsel to EPA Headquarters and regional offices on several federal environmental statutes governing air quality and related issues, including the Clean Air Act, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the Atomic Energy Act, and the Noise Control Act. The selected candidate will spend a significant portion of their time working in the practice groups that cover Clean Air Act permitting programs. As such, experience at the state or Federal level with Clean Air Act permitting programs, including pre-construction permits (e.g., prevention of significant deterioration (PSD), non-attainment new source review (NNSR), and minor source NSR) and/or Title V operating permits, is strongly desired.
In this position, you will:
Analyze and anticipate legal issues with a problem-solving approach to support EPA Headquarters program offices (and in some cases other law offices, regional offices, and the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance) on a wide variety of issues within the attorney's areas of responsibility.
Conduct research of laws, legal opinions, precedent cases, and relevant Agency guidance and actions, as needed, to address complex and difficult legal issues, either on their own or as a member of a team in a larger case or rulemaking.
Analyze factual and legal issues presented to determine what further facts are needed and what legal sources are applicable.
Initiate contacts with program officials and other persons having knowledge of the facts involved in the regulatory matter or case at issue.
Provide oral and written advice and counseling in support of all EPA Headquarters program offices on a broad array of legal matters within the attorney's areas of responsibility.
Assist the U.S. Department of Justice in defending the EPA in litigation filed against the Agency in federal courts. Serve as EPA's legal counsel to ensure the Agency's views are represented in proceedings filed before courts.
Work under the general supervision of the Associate General Counsel and Deputy Associate General Counsel, as appropriate, under the guidance of one or more practice group leaders. Receive preliminary and established instructions as to methods of approach, source material available, and Agency policy and precedent.
Work closely alongside others with different viewpoints and social identities from your own (including race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and genetic information).
As required by Executive Order 14043, if you are selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by 11/22/21, or before onboarding with the agency if after 11/22/21, except in limited circumstances. For information about COVID-19 workplace safety at EPA, as well as resources and health and safety guidance, visit COVID-19 Safe Federal Workplace.
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. citizen
If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required
You must submit a statement of interest, resume and other required documents (See How to Apply)
You may be required to travel occasionally
Qualifications
Applicant must have an LL.B. or J.D. degree from an accredited law school; must be admitted to practice before the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and must maintain active status as a member of the bar of one of these jurisdictions. Incumbent should have experience in providing legal advice and counsel at EPA, other federal, state or local agencies, or courts, non-governmental organizations, or in private practice, demonstrating competencies relevant to the duties of the position listed above.
If you are selected, you must complete a one-year trial period.
The ideal candidate will have a very strong academic and employment record, including evidence of nuanced legal analysis with respect to both statutory construction and applicable case law, excellent research and writing skills, superior oral and written communication, strong interpersonal skills, initiative and self-motivation, the ability to work effectively in a team and independently, a commitment to public service, mature judgement, and the ability to work with diverse persons and perspectives. Knowledge and relevant experience in administrative or environmental law generally, and Clean Air Act permitting programs specifically, is strongly preferred but not required.
Your written statement of interest is very important to us. Please identify in your written statement of interest/cover letter and resume any specialized experience in administrative and environmental law, and Clean Air Act permitting programs specifically, if applicable. Note: Applicants must include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume. This document should be uploaded as part of your complete application packet described below under the supporting documentation.
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you should have two (2) or more years of post-J.D. legal experience, at least one of which included specialized experience at, or equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in counseling or litigation.
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least three years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in counseling or litigation.
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least four years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in counseling or litigation.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form prior to your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
This position is designated as a Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.
Additional information
Diversity and Inclusion
At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. You can also hear a diverse group of attorneys talk about their careers at EPA on the Legal Careers at EPA Webinar.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination. For more information, visit https://hru.gov/Studio_Recruitment/tools/Mythbuster_on_Federal_Hiring_Policies
These positions are in the bargaining unit.
EPA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.
This position is in the excepted service. Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status; however, this position is covered for the purpose of federal retirement and benefits.
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.
If you are selected, you will be expected to report to work as soon as practical but no later than thirty (30) days from the date you receive a final job offer. Extension of this reporting requirement may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Initially, you will be evaluated based on the information contained in your resume packet. If an interview is granted, you will be evaluated based on the responses you provide during an interview. In responding to interview questions, you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did and the outcome.
There is no numerical rating system for applying veteran’s preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Office of General Counsel considers veteran’s preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
Documents to be submitted should be in PDF format only.
Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position.
Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
A legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author – with only minor (if any) edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
References (names and contact information of three professional references)
Copy of law school and undergraduate degree transcript (unofficial or official). Photocopies are sufficient. Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
Copy of bar certification
Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable; active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
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.
Please completely read through this announcement before applying. Please do not mail in your information. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Documents to be submitted should be in PDF format only.
Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position.
Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
A legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author – with only minor (if any) edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
References (names and contact information of three professional references)
Copy of law school and undergraduate degree transcript (unofficial or official). Photocopies are sufficient. Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
Copy of bar certification
Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable; active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
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.
Please completely read through this announcement before applying. Please do not mail in your information. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
