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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to the public.

Duties

CBP Office of Trade is the architect of the most robust customs system in the world and the second largest revenue source for the U.S. Government. We facilitate legitimate trade, enforce U.S. laws, and protect the American economy as well as consumer health and safety. Collaborating with industry and government partners, we create a fair, competitive, and safe trade environment, and we enforce U.S. trade law to protect national economic security. Our expertise in the trade community allows us to lead the development of streamlined and efficient processes that provide certainty for legitimate importers, while combatting transnational crime.

This position starts at a salary of $99,200.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $153,354.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $181,216.00 (GS-14, Step 10).

In this position, you will become a key member of the legal team in the Office of Trade. Typical work assignments include:

Developing binding rulings (e.g., in response to ruling requests, protests, requests for internal advice, or requests for reconsiderations and modifications of earlier rulings) with respect to classification, valuation, marking, country of origin, etc., of imports or with respect to trade issues in entry procedures, carrier and navigation matters, duty refunds, unfair trade practices (e.g., infringement of patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.), and similar types of cases.
Adjudicating and giving advice on cases involving the imposition, mitigation, remission, or cancellation of fines, penalties, seizures and forfeitures, and liquidated damages for violations of customs laws, regulations, and policies as well as drafting administrative review decisions involving investigations of evasion of antidumping and countervailing duty laws and developing appeal decisions on Freedom of Information Act cases.
Developing new or revising regulations falling within the purview of CBP (e.g., title 8 U.S.C. and title 19 U.S.C. subject matters), including customs, immigration, and border security matters and briefing senior CBP, Homeland Security, and Treasury officials about the proposed regulations.
Developing and presenting (to a domestic or foreign audience) comprehensive training programs and seminars and provide consultations in specific subject matter areas directly related to the functions of the assigned Branch.
Reviewing and preparing comments and consulting with officials of CBP, Homeland Security, Treasury, and Congressional committee staff members on proposed legislation, trade agreements, Presidential Proclamations, and other legal documents.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
You may be required to pass a background investigation
CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you are an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Education Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show your completion of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); or completion of the second professional law degree (LL.M.) from an accredited institution.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Preparing comprehensive and succinct administrative rulings, decisions, and interpretations of laws that address matters involving legal or factual questions and novel issues where the precedents which should apply are highly arguable and/or the facts are so complex that different possible constructions or interpretations can be placed on the laws, the facts, and/or the precedent involved.
Participating in meetings and briefings with representatives and legal counsel for private companies and industries, and staff members of federal agencies.
Working under the general supervision and guidance of the branch chief (or the supervisory equivalent) when adjudicating and giving advice on cases involving the imposition, mitigation, remission or cancellation of fines, penalties, seizures and forfeitures and liquidated damages for violations of customs laws, regulations, and policies.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Preparing comprehensive and succinct administrative rulings, decisions, and interpretations of laws that address matters involving difficult legal or factual questions and novel issues where the precedents which should apply are highly arguable and/or the facts are so complex that different possible constructions or interpretations can be placed on the laws, the facts, and/or the precedent involved.
Participating in meetings and briefings with representatives and legal counsel for private companies and industries, and high-level members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies.
Working under the general supervision of a branch chief (or the supervisory equivalent), with minimal guidance, when adjudicating and giving advice on cases involving the imposition, mitigation, remission or cancellation of fines, penalties, seizures and forfeitures and liquidated damages for violations of customs laws, regulations, and policies.

Note: There is no education substitution at these grade levels.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 06/10/2024.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information, review the following links: Background investigation and the e-QIP process.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information about the education needed for this position.

Additional information

This position is a designated position in the excepted service and is being filled by an alternative hiring process. Assignment into this position does not confer competitive status. You will remain in the excepted service for as long as you occupy this position.

Trial Period: You will be required to serve a trial period of 2 years.

Travel: You will be required to travel as needed for any mandatory training, and to provide technical legal support to deliver training, in various field operating locations.

Telework may be available on a regular recurring or situational basis.

Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions - NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites - National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU

Veterans Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however the Office of Trade considers veteran's preference eligibility as a positive factor in the hiring process.

Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.

DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume may result in a "not qualified" determination. Applicants will be rated based on their education, experience, demonstrated legal research and writing abilities, and performance during the interview process, which may include personal interview(s).

The following competencies or KSAs pertain to this position:

Skill in efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex and novel issues;
Knowledge in exercising sound legal judgment, prioritizing competing assignments, and working effectively independently, as part of a team;
Ability to collaborate across work units, including policymakers, attorneys, and agency senior leadership;
Skill in tailoring written work products and oral communications to a particular audience; and
Ability in representing the office in high-level meetings and providing legal analysis to top-ranking officials in the Office of Trade and to other CBP components.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager.

Required Documents

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You must include the following information (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in the vacancy announcement) to receive consideration for this position:

Resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. *Note- It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12379892
Your Transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official conferred copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) from an accredited law school or equivalent is required. If you are a current CBP employee within the position series announced, transcripts will not be required at the time of application; however, education will be verified if you are selected and you may be required to submit transcripts at that time. Education must be from an accredited institution. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. Note: If submitting documentation of an evaluation, transcripts are still required. For a listing of some accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Law License: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you are an active member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory, or possession of the United States.
Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment

It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted is accurate and must be in English.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Help

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact CBP Hiring Center at CBPhiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov for more information regarding an alternate application process.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 06/10/2024.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.

Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other.

"DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Center

Phone: 952-857-2932
Email: CBPhiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov

Address: Office of Trade
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Next steps

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.

The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

After review of the application packages, highly qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews.

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Required Documents

Help

You must include the following information (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in the vacancy announcement) to receive consideration for this position:

Resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable). For additional required items, see the link. *Note- It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.
Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12379892
Your Transcripts: All applicants are required to submit a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official conferred copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) from an accredited law school or equivalent is required. If you are a current CBP employee within the position series announced, transcripts will not be required at the time of application; however, education will be verified if you are selected and you may be required to submit transcripts at that time. Education must be from an accredited institution. Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials. Note: If submitting documentation of an evaluation, transcripts are still required. For a listing of some accrediting agencies, please see www.naces.org. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
Law License: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you are an active member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory, or possession of the United States.
Are you a current or former federal employee? ALL CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST SUBMIT THE MOST RECENT COPY OF THEIR SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status: Tenure 1 or 2 in Block 24 and Position Occupied 1 in Block 34. Additionally, applicants should also submit a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher, AND a SF-50 to support having met the time-in-grade requirement of having served 52 weeks at the grade level (or equivalent) below the grade level(s) for this position. Current CBP Employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit an SF-50(s) for CBP experience; however, additional SF-50(s) are required when using federal experience outside of CBP to receive credit towards the requirements above. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment

It is your responsibility to verify that any information submitted is accurate and must be in English.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

How to Apply

Help

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact CBP Hiring Center at CBPhiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov for more information regarding an alternate application process.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 06/10/2024.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.

Please upload your resume under "Resume" and any other applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type. If your Document Type is not listed, upload as "Other.

"DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Agency contact information

CBP Hiring Center

Phone: 952-857-2932
Email: CBPhiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov

Address: Office of Trade
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US

Next steps

GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.

The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

After review of the application packages, highly qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews.

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment), and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.