This position is in Region 10, Office of Regional Counsel, General Law and FOIA Branch. About: Region 10.
This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).
Summary
This position is in Region 10, Office of Regional Counsel, General Law and FOIA Branch. About: Region 10.
This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).
Salary will be based on the grade level and duty location for which you are selected.
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Locations
1 vacancy in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Boise, ID
Portland, OR
Lacey, WA
Seattle, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis. NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel for this position.
Current permanent EPA internal employees in the Office of Region 10 with competitive status and CTAP eligibles.
NOTE: Eligibility is based on your current position of record (if you are on a temporary promotion, the temporary promotion position is your position of record).
Analyze and evaluate the relevance of particular technical evidence, draft briefs, litigation papers, or advisory opinions for review and approval, research on a variety of legal issues, coordinate enforcement actions, and review reported case law to enforce programs and activities of regulated industries.
Coordinate responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, use agency electronic systems for processing FOIA requests, use electronic discovery databases and IT tools, and organize and maintain files for cases to prepare and support attorneys and program staff and managers.
Assist with administrative processes and electronic systems, act as resource for administrative and professional staff, and plan and coordinate meetings to facilitate the program office.
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. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
Grow your career for the good of our planet
The environmental challenges we face today are urgent. At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to continue our mission to protect human health and the environment. Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world. That’s why there has never been a more crucial moment to further your career as one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators at EPA.
You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
#LI-DNI
Qualifications
NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must have one of the following:
1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as providing legal support, researching, drafting, and preparing legal documents for review; and performing administrative duties.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related; the education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
equivalent combination of education and experience
NOTE: 1 year of full-time undergraduate study is 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered 1 year of full-time study.
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as providing legal support, researching, writing, reviewing, and assisting with litigation under the application of environmental laws, regulations; and reviewing legal materials for judicial and administrative procedures.
You will be assessed on the following competencies:
GS-11:
Written Communication.
Critical Thinking.
Reading Comprehension.
Attention to Detail.
Teamwork.
Manages and Organizes Information.
Customer Service.
Clerical.
Problem Solving.
GS-12:
Critical Thinking.
Reading Comprehension.
Written Communication.
Attention to Detail.
Manages and Organizes Information.
Teamwork.
Clerical.
Customer Service.
Problem Solving.
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.
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated section).
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.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
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.
Benefits will not change for current permanent EPA employees.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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.
After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements.
If we determine you are eligible/qualified, one or more subject matter experts will systematically review your resume to assess the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the competencies being evaluated). You may also be required to complete one or more additional assessments (if this is required, you will be contacted by email with further instructions). Based on the assessment ratings, a score will be calculated to determine if you are among the best qualified candidates. NOTE: Cheating (including the use of a consultant or an AI tool to assist you) on any assessment may result in your removal from consideration for this job.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
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.
Benefits will not change for current permanent EPA employees.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
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.
Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you have received if you would like them to be considered. Resume must not exceed 2 pages. If you do not submit a resume that is 2 pages or less, you will be ineligible for further consideration. See How to Apply section for more information.
Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station and proves the following: - ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY - SF-50(s) must prove you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the agency section. The most common eligibility requirements are Permanent Employees (proof is reflected in block 24/Tenure on the SF-50), Competitive Status (proof is reflected in blocks 24/Tenure and 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50), In the Office of (proof is reflected in block 22/Name and Location of Position’s Organization on the SF-50), and In the Commuting Area (proof is reflected in block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50). NOTE: Eligibility is based on your current position of record (if you are on a temporary promotion, the temporary promotion position is your position of record). - TIME-IN-GRADE - If you are applying for a higher grade, SF-50(s) must prove you have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade (next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section). Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotion to the higher grade, within-grade increase for the next lower grade, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job at the next lower grade.
Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
APPLICANTS QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION OR A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
College transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter/semester hours earned. NOTE: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
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.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature (see How to Upload Documents).
Resume Requirements:
Only resumes up to a total of 2 pages will be accepted. If you correctly submit a 2-page (or less) resume and also submit a longer resume, we will only review the 2-page resume. If the only resume you submit exceeds 2 pages, you will be removed from consideration for this position. See OPM 2-Page Resume Guidance for information on maximizing the content of your resume.
Resume must be legible so we can review for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and any other position requirements listed in this announcement.
See USAJOBS Resume Info for additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
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 two 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, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Environmental Protection Agency
US EPA, OFA/OCHCO/TAD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WJC Bldg North, Mail Code 3206A
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your application package through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you have received if you would like them to be considered. Resume must not exceed 2 pages. If you do not submit a resume that is 2 pages or less, you will be ineligible for further consideration. See How to Apply section for more information.
Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station and proves the following: - ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY - SF-50(s) must prove you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the agency section. The most common eligibility requirements are Permanent Employees (proof is reflected in block 24/Tenure on the SF-50), Competitive Status (proof is reflected in blocks 24/Tenure and 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50), In the Office of (proof is reflected in block 22/Name and Location of Position’s Organization on the SF-50), and In the Commuting Area (proof is reflected in block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50). NOTE: Eligibility is based on your current position of record (if you are on a temporary promotion, the temporary promotion position is your position of record). - TIME-IN-GRADE - If you are applying for a higher grade, SF-50(s) must prove you have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade (next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section). Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotion to the higher grade, within-grade increase for the next lower grade, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job at the next lower grade.
Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and manager/supervisor’s signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor’s signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
APPLICANTS QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION OR A COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
College transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter/semester hours earned. NOTE: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
Most recent performance appraisal
Proof of eligibility
Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
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.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature (see How to Upload Documents).
Resume Requirements:
Only resumes up to a total of 2 pages will be accepted. If you correctly submit a 2-page (or less) resume and also submit a longer resume, we will only review the 2-page resume. If the only resume you submit exceeds 2 pages, you will be removed from consideration for this position. See OPM 2-Page Resume Guidance for information on maximizing the content of your resume.
Resume must be legible so we can review for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and any other position requirements listed in this announcement.
See USAJOBS Resume Info for additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA’s Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
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 two 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, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official’s office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA’s National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Environmental Protection Agency
US EPA, OFA/OCHCO/TAD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WJC Bldg North, Mail Code 3206A
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your application package through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
