This position is located in the Environmental Defense Section (EDS). This Section represents the United States in complex litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes and defends the United States against challenges to its cleanup and compliance actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities, and private sites.
Summary
This position is located in the Environmental Defense Section (EDS). This Section represents the United States in complex litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes and defends the United States against challenges to its cleanup and compliance actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities, and private sites.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Chief, Environmental Defense Section performs the following duties:
Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the Section through subordinate supervisors.
Serves as a consultant to the Division's Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorneys General with respect to all legal cases and matters that fall within the purview of the Section.
Advises and consults with the Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, reporting on the status of all cases and matters within the Section. Prepares advice with proper regard for timeliness and bases advice on exhaustive legal research, pertinent factual and legal analysis, appropriate staff work, recommendations from interested federal agencies, and due regard for considerations of justice as well as the needs and concerns of client agencies and their programs.
As needed, provides counsel and advice to attorneys responsible for representing the United States in direct negotiations and discussions with senior officials of states, counties, and cities throughout the United States and lawyers and high-level officials of some of the largest corporations in the country. Serves as a liaison between Department of Justice and decision-makers of client agencies. Authorizes settlements within delegated authority.
Provides advice and policy determinations in matters involving discussions with opposing counsel and in the formulation of settlements that have far-reaching legal consequences.
You must complete a background investigation to include pre-employment drug testing.
You will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Report, SF-278 before entrance-on-duty and will be required to provide this information annually thereafter.
You must be a U.S. citizen or national to be eligible for this position.
Veteran's preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. You must meet all minimum qualifications to be considered eligible.
You must provide responses to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). ECQs are not required if you are a current SES employee.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction).
Qualifications
Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.
As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and three Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) separately.
The application process used to recruit for this position is TRADITIONAL. Your resume must not exceed seven pages, including an optional cover letter.
Copies of the Office of Personnel Management's "Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications" may be obtained via the Internet at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf. Please see Application Procedures for specific instructions.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction).
We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Section Chief. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.
YOU WILL BE EVALUATED ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ): Your responses to the MTQs should be addressed separately, not to exceed two pages per MTQ.
MTQ 1 - Demonstrated litigation experience in federal district courts and courts of appeals, especially in complex high stakes matters.
MTQ 2 - Demonstrated experience in handling and managing complex legal issues, including cases arising under federal environmental laws and regulations, such as pollution control statutes and those aimed at recovery of cleanup costs, and cases involving defense of federal administrative agencies' decisions and actions.
MTQ 3- Demonstrated ability to handle complex, challenging legal matters, both in litigation and in negotiation.
IN ADDITION, YOU MUST CLEARLY DOCUMENT AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs), NOT TO EXCEED TEN PAGES. Please provide a separate response to each ECQ.
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification 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.
Please refer to OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction).
Additional information
The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of the selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive employee (Title V) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the Senior Executive Service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application.
EEO Policy Statement: The Department of Justice does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, status as a parent, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other impermissible factor. The complete DOJ EEO Statement/Policy is found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1394116/dl?inline
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Benefits: DOJ offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits.
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.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required by law to review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment.To be considered for this position, applicants must show evidence of experience related to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Applicants mustaddress the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) separately. The ECQ narrative is limited to 10 pages and the narrative for each MTQ is limited to two pages per MTQ.
Please see Application Procedures for specific instructions. Your resume should demonstrate the necessary level of management skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence that would indicate successful performance in the SES. This evidence must include clear and concise examples that emphasize the applicant's level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts.
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.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., resume, and other documents as applicable) WILL NOT receive consideration for this position.
If you are a current member of the SES, or are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, ECQ responses are not required. Please indicate in your resume that you are a current or former member of the SES. You must, however, submit responses to the MTQs, and submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 documenting your SES appointment.
Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of the certificate as part of the application. SES CDP graduates must also submit responses to the MTQs, but ECQ responses are not required.
You must apply online through USAJOBS. Click on the APPLY button. Follow the prompts to login or create an account and upload all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Office of Human Resources using the contact information below.
You must upload a complete Application Package which includes:
A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, if applicable
Current federal employees must submit a recent SF-50 Personnel Action.
Other supporting documentation as required. Please see the "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" section and review the applicant checklist link to determine if there are other documents you are required to submit.
If you are a current or former SES applicant with non-competitive eligibility, please submit an SF-50 showing your status as one of the following:
current Career SES appointee,
former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or
current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES. NOTE: This applies only to current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executives of the Government Accountability Office, the Transportation Security Administration, or the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Postal Service; OR
a certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP). NOTE: This applies only if your ECQ's have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) through the SES CDP. To be considered non-competitively, you must submit your resume only and other documents, as applicable. You must submit your application so that it will be received by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the announcement. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE NON-COMPETITIVE CONSIDERATION IF YOU FAIL TO SUBMIT PROOF OF NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY.
Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 08/07/2024 may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed.
Ofc of the Assistant Attorney General
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
An Executive Resources Board (ERB) will evaluate you based on your responses to the MTQs and ECQs, as well as the quality and extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, experience and skills required for this position, as defined above. After conducting the initial round of interviews of highly-qualified individuals, the ERB will refer the top applicants to the hiring manager for further consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., resume, and other documents as applicable) WILL NOT receive consideration for this position.
If you are a current member of the SES, or are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, ECQ responses are not required. Please indicate in your resume that you are a current or former member of the SES. You must, however, submit responses to the MTQs, and submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 documenting your SES appointment.
Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of the certificate as part of the application. SES CDP graduates must also submit responses to the MTQs, but ECQ responses are not required.
You must apply online through USAJOBS. Click on the APPLY button. Follow the prompts to login or create an account and upload all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Office of Human Resources using the contact information below.
You must upload a complete Application Package which includes:
A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, if applicable
Current federal employees must submit a recent SF-50 Personnel Action.
Other supporting documentation as required. Please see the "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" section and review the applicant checklist link to determine if there are other documents you are required to submit.
If you are a current or former SES applicant with non-competitive eligibility, please submit an SF-50 showing your status as one of the following:
current Career SES appointee,
former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or
current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES. NOTE: This applies only to current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executives of the Government Accountability Office, the Transportation Security Administration, or the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Postal Service; OR
a certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP). NOTE: This applies only if your ECQ's have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) through the SES CDP. To be considered non-competitively, you must submit your resume only and other documents, as applicable. You must submit your application so that it will be received by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the announcement. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE NON-COMPETITIVE CONSIDERATION IF YOU FAIL TO SUBMIT PROOF OF NON-COMPETITIVE ELIGIBILITY.
Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 08/07/2024 may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed.
Ofc of the Assistant Attorney General
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
An Executive Resources Board (ERB) will evaluate you based on your responses to the MTQs and ECQs, as well as the quality and extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, experience and skills required for this position, as defined above. After conducting the initial round of interviews of highly-qualified individuals, the ERB will refer the top applicants to the hiring manager for further consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
