EPA’s Office of General Counsel invites talented and diverse attorneys to apply for an Attorney-Adviser position. This position is located in the Office of General (OGC), Civil Rights and Finance Law Office (CRFLO), Assistance Law Practice Group and the Claims Property, and Appropriations Law Practice Group (ALPG/CPAL): For more information on this office, visit website: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-general-counsel-ogc. CRFLO is looking to fill 1 position.
Summary
OGC EMPLOYEES ONLY
EPA’s Office of General Counsel invites talented and diverse attorneys to apply for an Attorney-Adviser position. This position is located in the Office of General (OGC), Civil Rights and Finance Law Office (CRFLO), Assistance Law Practice Group and the Claims Property, and Appropriations Law Practice Group (ALPG/CPAL): For more information on this office, visit website: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-general-counsel-ogc. CRFLO is looking to fill 1 position.
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel less than 1 to 5 days per month.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Agency Employees Only
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.
About the Civil Rights and Finance Law Office (CRFLO)
CRFLO is one of seven law offices that comprise OGC and consists of four practice groups. The office provides legal counsel and legal services to EPA programs with respect to civil rights, equal employment opportunity, contracts, claims by and against the Agency, real and personal property, financial assistance awards, interagency agreements, delegations, appropriations law and several other areas. CRFLO provides legal counsel related to expenditure of agency funds including issues that arise under grants and cooperative agreements as well during formulation of the Agencyʼs budget. CRFLO provides legal advice during all phases of the administrative employment discrimination complaint process and provides advice to the Agencyʼs External Civil Rights Compliance Program which is responsible for ensuring that recipients of the Agencyʼs financial assistance do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. CRFLO also provides critical support to various Agency program offices and all ten regional offices related to legal review of procurement- related documents including solicitations, source selection documents, competitive range documents, and justifications for other than full and open competition. As well, CRFLO represents the Agency in complex bid protests filed with the U.S. Government Accountability Office and in claims filed pursuant to the Contracts Disputes Act before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
CRFLO is divided into four practice groups, each of which is led by an Assistant General Counsel:
Assistance Law Practice Group
Civil Rights Law Practice Group
Claims, Property and Appropriations Law Practice Group
Procurement Law Practice Group
In this position, the Attorney Adviser: Will be assigned to the Assistance Law Practice Group (ALPG) and the Claims Property and Appropriations Law Practice Group (CPAL).
The assigned attorney adviser will serve as the lead attorney for counseling the EPA Office of Water (OW) for award and administration of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for water infrastructure and water quality protection projects, including providing expert legal counsel to OW in development of national program implementation guidance for CDS funding, interpretation of statutory authorization and appropriations language, and responding to oversight requests. The CDS program consists of annual funding and authority directing project funding to water infrastructure and water quality projects across the country. The Agency is, by statute, directed to impose requirements on project recipients consistent with those for the Clean Water and drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund programs that are separately administered by OW.
The attorney adviser provides counsel on legal matters arising under grants and cooperative agreements authorized by EPA’s annual appropriation acts and several environmental statutes and their amendments, including the Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Solid Waste Disposal Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; Toxic Substance Control Act; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
In addition to matters pertaining to grants and cooperative agreements, the attorney-adviser will provide legal counsel on issues related to EPA’s annual appropriations acts, continuing resolutions, sequestration, and any lapse in appropriations, as well as issues regarding the Agency’s use of appropriated funds.
These issues often involve interpretation and application of authorities such as Title 31 of the U.S. Code, the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, the Anti-deficiency Act, the Budget Control Act of 2011, and decisions of the Comptroller General.
At EPA you will 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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have at least two years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-11 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.
Please identify in your written statement of interest/cover letter and resume any specialized experience in administrative and environmental law, 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 Tab.
The ideal candidate will have experience with counseling in grants and appropriations law 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, and mature judgement and the ability to work with diverse persons and perspectives.
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 Tab.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Environmental Protection Agency considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
More information on GS levels for the 0905 Attorney position are available at:
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, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. 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.
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: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
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
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.
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager. Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.
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.
Initially, you will be evaluated based on the information contained in your resume packet. If an interview is granted, you will also 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 veteranʼs preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Office of General Counsel considers veteranʼs preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
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.
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager. Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.
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).
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 the entire announcement before applying. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office.
If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.
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).
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 the entire announcement before applying. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office.
If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.
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.
