About the Position:
The incumbent is responsible for independently handling complex legal assignments, with minimal oversight, and provides legal guidance based on unique policy or factual considerations. They determine the approach, conduct necessary research, and deliver authoritative legal advice directly to senior leadership, ensuring all issues are addressed without requiring preview or review by District Counsel.
Summary
About the Position:
The incumbent is responsible for independently handling complex legal assignments, with minimal oversight, and provides legal guidance based on unique policy or factual considerations. They determine the approach, conduct necessary research, and deliver authoritative legal advice directly to senior leadership, ensuring all issues are addressed without requiring preview or review by District Counsel.
Independently advise Contracting Division and other senior leadership on all aspects of the solicitation, award, and administration of government contracts.
Provides legal guidance on procurement, contracts, labor law, and international agreements.
Develops litigation strategy and represents the District in cases before administrative boards.
Acts as the Alternate District Ethics Counselor, providing ethics training and legal opinions.
Coordinates legal matters with senior Department of Defense and U.S. Government attorneys and tracks key issues.
Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program requirements as outlined in the DoD Instruction 1315.19.
Must be able to satisfy the requirements of the 26JUL12 DODI 1400.25 V1230, DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Employment in Foreign Areas and Employee Return Rights. Visit https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/.
In accordance with AR 690-11, this position has been designated as "Emergency-Essential".
This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter.
Excepted service positions are subject to a two year trial period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; your transcripts are required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened for the Office of Personnel Management's basic qualifications requirements, and the skills needed to perform the duties of this position as described in this vacancy announcement.
Basic Requirement for Attorneys (GS-0905): Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D).
Specialized Experience: Three or more years of professional legal experience, acquired AFTER being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. At least one year of the required professional legal experience is equivalent to the GS-13 under the General Schedule or other pay systems (NOTE: EXPERIENCE MUST BE DOCUMENTED IN YOUR RESUME). Examples of this experience include analyzing facts, ascertaining law, giving opinions and stating facts on legal issues; explaining legal principles and identifying alternative courses of action; and preparing litigation reports and legal documents required by the agency in various federal courts.
This professional legal experience is equivalent to the GS-13 under the General Schedule or other pay systems.
Bar Membership: Applicant MUST currently a member in good standing of a bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements AND on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position.
1. Knowledge, skill and ability regarding federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to providing legal advice and legal reviews on contract formation and contact administration issues (including knowledge of and experience in interpreting the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement(DFARS)).
2. Knowledge, skill and ability in the following areas of federal law and practices: ethics; civilian personnel and employment; labor-management relations; administrative; torts; constitutional law; fiscal law, and civil litigation.
3. Knowledge, skills and ability to manage and lead the organization's highly diverse legal services program including oversight and quality assurance and managing, mentoring, training, and motivating legal office staff.
4. Knowledge, skills and ability to function effectively as a senior counselor and advisor to senior management officials and project delivery teams within the Corps of Engineers and to work with federal, state and local governmental entities, as well as private parties.
5. Knowledge, skills and ability to balance national (external) and organizational (internal) program goals and priorities; to review program implementation and results; ability to balance customer program and legal goals and priorities; to review program implementation and results; and to develop and utilize innovative approaches in solving problems and issues.6. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attached supporting documentation (for example, DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with a list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms.
Additional information
Direct deposit of pay is required.
U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status are not eligible for appointment under the Status of Forces Agreement.
Locality pay does not apply in the overseas area.
If an employee brings a child to an overseas location and that child is entitled to attend a DoD school on a space-required basis in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, the DoDEA and the Military Department responsible for providing related services will ensure that the child, if eligible for special education, receives a free appropriate public education, including related services pursuant to DoDI 1342.12 and DoDM 1342.12.
If an employee brings an infant or toddler (up to 3 years of age) to an overseas location, and that infant or toddler, but for the child's age, is entitled to attend the DoDEA on a space-required basis in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, then the Military Department responsible for EIS will provide the infant or toddler with the required EIS in accordance with the eligibility criteria consistent with DoDI 1342.12 and DoDM 1342.12.
Employees (and family members) who require medical or dental care in the overseas location will be responsible for obtaining and paying for such care. Access for civilian employees and their families to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis
Pay retention may be offered to selected applicants for positions at overseas locations. Pay retention will not be offered as an incentive for employees moving between overseas positions.
Selectees may receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, home leave, etc. Selectees will have their eligibility for foreign area benefits determined at the time of hire in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and DoDI 1400.25 volume 1250.
For positions in a foreign country, that country's laws or international agreements may have a direct impact on the ability of an employee's same sex domestic partner or spouse to accompany the employee and receive certain benefits. If you believe you may be affected by these laws and agreements, you should familiarize yourself with relevant information and direct questions concerning a specific country (Foreign Duty Location) to the appropriate Army Human Resources point of contact prior to the acceptance of employment and your entrance on duty.
This is a Career Program (CP) 56 - Civilian Attorneys & Paraprofessionals position.
Defense National Relocation Program may be authorized.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
Relocation or recruitment incentive may be authorized for eligible candidates based on funding availability.
Student Loan Repayment/Advanced in Hire/Advanced Leave Accrual/may be authorized.
You may claim military spouse preference (MSP). Attorney spouses of active duty military may apply for available positions in accordance with the military spouse program, as identified in DODI 1400.25 Volume 315.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
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.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Writing Sample: Examples of writing skills may be demonstrated by legal briefs, articles, memoranda, and/or letters. These examples should total no more than ten (10) pages. Extracts of selected sections or larger documents are acceptable; and
The names and contact information of three professional references who are each members of the Bar of a State or Territory.
3. If you are NOT a current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attorney, you MUST submit the following documents:
Official Law School Transcripts. Photocopies may submitted when applying, Official or certified Law School Transcripts will be required before entering on duty;
Official statement of relative class standing or a statement that applicant's law school doesn't provide rankings. Photocopies are acceptable when applying; and
Official certificate issued by the Bar Registrar or similar official, showing you are a member in good standing with the bar, (dated within four months of the date the application is submitted), together with a statement that neither your fitness to practice law nor conduct as an attorney has ever been challenged, OR if either has been challenged, a statement concerning the facts & circumstance together with any explanation you may deem appropriate.
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2025 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12838327).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RM-W2SN02 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-JAPAN
DO NOT MAIL
APO, AP 96343
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Writing Sample: Examples of writing skills may be demonstrated by legal briefs, articles, memoranda, and/or letters. These examples should total no more than ten (10) pages. Extracts of selected sections or larger documents are acceptable; and
The names and contact information of three professional references who are each members of the Bar of a State or Territory.
3. If you are NOT a current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attorney, you MUST submit the following documents:
Official Law School Transcripts. Photocopies may submitted when applying, Official or certified Law School Transcripts will be required before entering on duty;
Official statement of relative class standing or a statement that applicant's law school doesn't provide rankings. Photocopies are acceptable when applying; and
Official certificate issued by the Bar Registrar or similar official, showing you are a member in good standing with the bar, (dated within four months of the date the application is submitted), together with a statement that neither your fitness to practice law nor conduct as an attorney has ever been challenged, OR if either has been challenged, a statement concerning the facts & circumstance together with any explanation you may deem appropriate.
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2025 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12838327).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RM-W2SN02 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-JAPAN
DO NOT MAIL
APO, AP 96343
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
