This position is in the Enforcement Bureau (EB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. Selectees will be placed at various Divisions throughout EB.
RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
Summary
This position is in the Enforcement Bureau (EB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. Selectees will be placed at various Divisions throughout EB.
RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
The incumbent serves as an attorney working primarily to support the Commission’s efforts to enforce the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules across a wide range of industries regulated by Commission. The incumbent is responsible for providing authoritative legal advice to the Division Chief, Deputy Division Chief, and other supervisors concerning complex, policy-oriented enforcement issues including, but not limited to: fraud, waste, and abuse involving FCC-administered funds; equipment authorization rules and 911 system failures; formal complaints against common carriers and utility pole owners; administrative hearings; and national security risks.
The incumbent may serve in any one of the Enforcement Bureau’s divisions, including: the Investigations & Hearings Division; the Fraud Division; the Market Disputes Resolution Division; and the Spectrum Enforcement Division. While serving in the Enforcement Bureau, the incumbent will work on complex legal cases. These cases typically involve complicated factual situations where clear precedents are not readily available or apparent. These are often characterized by one or more of the following: (1) complex, difficult issues requiring a high order of legal endeavor with the incumbent often having to balance conflicting interests; (2) matters that can have an important impact on major industry parties whose economic position affects major private and public interests; (3) matters of intense public interest and impact. The incumbent applies rigorous critical thinking and analysis skills to solve problems, make recommendations to Division supervisors, and executes tasks needed to complete investigations and issue legal actions. Decisions about legal conclusions based upon the facts and the relevant legal authorities are made in conjunction with the supervisor, with the incumbent playing a critical role in (1) identifying, (2) researching, and (3) communicating accurate, timely, and appropriately detailed information to support well-reasoned legal conclusions and informed decision-making to Division managers.
In carrying out his or her duties, the incumbent may be expected to (1) make findings of fact based on audits, investigations, complaints, or compliance reports; (2) research applicable law and policy; (3) draft Memorandum Opinions and Orders for Commission approval resolving litigation between parties and mediates pre-complaint disputes; (4) prepare charging documents (Notices of Apparent Liability, Citations and Forfeiture Orders) for Commission approval; (5) negotiate settlements with targets of Division investigations where appropriate; (6) develop the evidentiary record for adjudicative administrative hearings; and/or; (7) devise and implement policies to advance the Commission's enforcement goals and objectives.
The incumbent is responsible for the proper interpretation of the Communications Act, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the Commission's rules, regulations, and policies, including, but not limited to those impacting telecommunications services. The incumbent therefore keeps abreast of legal developments affecting enforcement issues and broadcast and/or telecommunications regulatory matters by reviewing court and Commission decisions, professional publications and trade press, relevant Congressional actions, and regulations of other agencies.
Bar Membership Documentation Required Upon Selection.
Education-Transcripts Required Upon Selection.
US Citizenship.
Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Financial disclosure statement may be required upon assuming the position.
Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status
SF-50 Documenting One Year of Time in Grade Required.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions. Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.
SF-50 Required: ALL FCC EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience.
A. Education
You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M.
NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection.
AND
B. Specialized Experience
For the GS-11 position: No specialized experience required; only educational qualification requirements are required to be met. Education requirements are as follows: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M.
For the GS-12 position: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time professional law experience gained after being admitted to the bar. The minimum one-year work experience requirement includes at least one year of specialized experience that is directly related to the position being filled and that is at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the GS-11 level. Specialized experience is defined as follows:
1. Conducting in-depth legal research; 2. Drafting legal documents; and 3. Providing input regarding the resolution of legal issues.
For the GS-13 position: Applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional law experience gained after being admitted to the bar. The minimum one-year work experience requirement includes at least one year of specialized experience that is directly related to the position being filled and that is at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is defined as follows:
1. Conducting in-depth legal research; 2. Preparing complex legal documents; 3. Developing research strategies for legal issues; and 4. Making oral presentations to communicate legal information.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.
SME REVIEW
In addition to meeting the qualification requirements listed below, candidate's resumes must demonstrate the following required competencies. Subject matter experts will review resumes to determine if resumes demonstrate the required competencies. For candidates whose resumes demonstrate all required qualification criteria in addition to the required competencies, such applications/resumes will be referred to the selecting official for hiring consideration. Alternatively, if resumes don't demonstrate all required qualification criteria in addition to the required competencies, such applications/resumes will not be referred to the selecting official for hiring consideration.
GS-11 COMPETENCIES
Ability to identify and analyze complex or novel legal issues arising from regulatory filings, petitions, contested proceedings, licensing matters or enforcement actions.
Ability to conduct in-depth legal research on statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law, and/or administrative law principles.
GS-12 COMPETENCIES
Ability to identify and analyze complex or novel legal issues arising from regulatory filings, petitions, contested proceedings, licensing matters or enforcement actions.
Ability to conduct in-depth legal research on statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law, and/or administrative law principles.
Skill providing written and oral recommendations to senior attorneys, leadership, senior level officials on proposed courses of action.
GS-13 COMPETENCIES
Ability to identify and analyze complex or novel legal issues arising from regulatory filings, petitions, contested proceedings, licensing matters, or enforcement actions.
Ability to conduct in-depth legal research on statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law, and/or administrative law principles.
Skill providing written and oral recommendations to senior attorneys, leadership, senior level officials on proposed courses of action.
Ability to assess and provide guidance on technical, and policy implications of laws and regulations.
Education
Refer to Educational requirements outlined within the "Qualifications" section.
Other: - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. 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 fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.
- If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year.
- In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions.
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.
All candidates will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor. THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position. Applicants who do not submit a supporting resume will be rated ineligible.
There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:
1. the core questions 2. supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, bar membership); and 3. your resume.
Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume. For more information, please click on Rating Process
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information
Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources:
Your application MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement.
You must submit a resume at the time of application. Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy. Current Federal employees must also submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the applicant will be rated as ineligible.
This position may require the submission of supplemental documents before selection.
Law academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
Proof of current, active bar membership.
Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze complex legal and/or policy issues.
Professional references.
Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload supporting application documentation. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Supplemental Documents Required:
Current Federal employees should submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Transcripts
Bar Membership
If transcripts and proof of bar membership are not provided at the time of application, this documentation must be provided at the time of selection.
Veterans must submit a legible Member 4 copy of the DD-214 which reflects the manner of discharge. Please refer to OPM's VetGuide for further information about veterans' preference via the following link: VetGuide
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.
As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Solutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information
Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022)
The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources:
Your application MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement.
You must submit a resume at the time of application. Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy. Current Federal employees must also submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the applicant will be rated as ineligible.
This position may require the submission of supplemental documents before selection.
Law academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
Proof of current, active bar membership.
Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze complex legal and/or policy issues.
Professional references.
Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload supporting application documentation. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Supplemental Documents Required:
Current Federal employees should submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Transcripts
Bar Membership
If transcripts and proof of bar membership are not provided at the time of application, this documentation must be provided at the time of selection.
Veterans must submit a legible Member 4 copy of the DD-214 which reflects the manner of discharge. Please refer to OPM's VetGuide for further information about veterans' preference via the following link: VetGuide
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.
As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Solutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
