The FMC is the federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC is dedicated to ensuring a competitive and dependable international ocean transportation system that supports the U.S. economy and safeguards the public from unfair or deceptive practices.
Join the FMC and be part of a mission-driven organization during an important and exciting time in the maritime industry.
Summary
The FMC is the federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC is dedicated to ensuring a competitive and dependable international ocean transportation system that supports the U.S. economy and safeguards the public from unfair or deceptive practices.
Join the FMC and be part of a mission-driven organization during an important and exciting time in the maritime industry.
All candidates who meet the following are eligible to apply for this job: Current or former federal employees qualifying as Status Candidates, Federal employees currently serving on a VRA, VEOA eligibles, CTAP/ICTAP eligibles, eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., the Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities, or covered by an Interchange Agreement, or Land Management employees eligible under Public Law 114-47).
This position is located in the Office of the Secretary (OS), Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). As a Paralegal Specialist, the incumbent will serve as the senior technical specialist for docket administration and the procedural requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, and independently handles the most complex, novel, and sensitive filings and procedural matters presented to the Commission.
If selected, you will provide legal assistance, information processing, and administrative support for the Commission's adjudicative proceedings, the Docket Activity Library, and the electronic docket on the Commission's website. The incumbent:
Screens and directs telephone calls and e-mail messages to the appropriate person(s), office(s), or bureau(s). Answers routine questions concerning Commission activities, operations, and the status of docketed proceedings by consulting official records, the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Assigns official docket numbers in accordance with established procedures. Processes and circulates motions, petitions, pleadings, comments, and request for documents.
Updates electronic status logs and spreadsheets that document and track filings and actions, and timely posts logs and documents (e.g., pleadings, filings and orders) to the Commission's website in accordance with established indexing conventions.
Establishes and maintains formal hearing and exhibit files for review by the public and other interested parties.
Tracks and maintains a calendar of docketed proceedings and alerts the Secretary or Assistant Secretary to approaching deadlines for Commission action.
Participates in assigned training in the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended; the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure; Federal Register and procedures; legal research and citation; and the statutes administered by the OS, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, the Congressional Review Act (CRA), and the Government in the Sunshine Act. Recommends improvements to procedures and SOPs based on experience with assigned work.
Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
A 1-year probationary period may be required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a background investigation.
Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
FMC participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.
May be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
Required Qualifications:
The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience
Qualifications
To Qualify for the GS-9: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service with the or equivalent experience in the private or public sector demonstrating the following: drafting pleadings, motions, orders, subpoenas, or other legal documents and correspondence; preparing and organizing evidence for production as discovery for use in trial; conducting legal research by searching databases, reviewing case files and other sources for information; and entering data into a case management tracking system. OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Criminal Justice, Law, Legal Studies, Sociology, etc.): a master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR Combining Education and Experience: Combination of specialized experience as described above, and graduate-level education as described above in which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of one full year.
To Qualify for the GS-11: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector demonstrating the following: analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify issues and/or evidence; conducting legal research concerning court decisions and precedents; composing legal briefs, summaries of analysis and decisions, and/or pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and assisting in trial preparation by compiling, organizing, and indexing various evidentiary exhibits. OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Criminal Justice, Law, Legal Studies, Sociology, etc.): a 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. OR Combining Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years.
To Qualify for the GS-12: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service which includes reviewing and evaluating incoming legal documents and communications to determine appropriate action; compiling and organizing relevant documents into an administrative record; coordinating activities with intra-agency and inter-agency staff, and prepares follow-up correspondence, recommendations, and legal documents; conducting substantive legal research using digital legal databases to analyze disputed issues of fact and law; and experience preparing and drafting a variety of legal documents and correspondence for review and adoption of trial attorneys.
NOTE:All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
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.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) by the closing date of this announcement.
This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with FMC. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow FMC to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time. For more information about individual rights, Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov).
Promotion Potential - This position may be filled at the GS-9, GS-11 or GS-12. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Education
The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience.
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov OR
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
You will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across the FMC.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, please refer to the agency contact information.
Suitability Statement: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Shared Certificates Statement: Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for the FMC to share your application with other FMC positions and/or Federal agencies for similar positions.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
All newly appointed employees to the competitive (or excepted) service are subject to a probationary (or trial) period. During this time, your performance, conduct, and suitability for continued employment will be evaluated. You will not automatically convert to permanent status at the end of the probationary (or trial) period. Your supervisor must affirmatively determine that continued employment is in the best interest of the Federal service. If no certification is made before the probationary (or trial) period ends, your appointment will be terminated. You are encouraged to actively engage with your supervisor, seek feedback, and understand role expectations. Additional guidance and support will be provided during onboarding.
All employees of the Federal government are subject to the conflict of interest statutes and regulations including the Standards of Ethical Conduct that govern activities with outside organizations and reporting financial holdings. This position may require the incumbent to complete a confidential financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
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 application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Competencies:
Accountability
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision-Making
Flexibility
Information Management
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
Reading Comprehension
Research Skills
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Writing
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Referral:If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview such as travel to and from the interview site. If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)), you must receive a score of 80 or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.
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.
Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, USA Hire Assessment, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply.
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume - Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. If military or a civilian Federal employee, you must include your rank and/or grade.
3. A complete application questionnaire and online USA Hire Assessments.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Assessments, you can find the Reasonable Accommodation process here.
4. Current and former civilian Federal employees - Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".) Note: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step, and competitive status.
5. Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable - Submit a copy of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 12 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application.
6. CTAP & ICTAP applicants - If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
7. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: If you are a current or former land management agency appointee - you must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows: a) A copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment; b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and (c) A copy of your Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
8. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, 30% Disabled Veteran Eligible: DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days.
9. Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable) - OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.
10. Schedule A Documentation: A copy of your Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
11. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA: A copy of your Peace Corp Description of Service (DOS) Letter, SF-50, or your VISTA Verification of Service letter from your representative after successful completion of the program.
12. Military Spouses (if applicable) - You must submit verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND: (1) a copy of your spouse's active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse's 100% service-connected disability (VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member's death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
13. Transcripts (if using education to qualify) - Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, an official transcript may be requested at a later time
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date (07/02/2026) of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS My Account tab and clicking on Application Status. For a more detailed update of your application status, you may click on more information.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, USA Hire Assessment, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply.
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume - Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. If military or a civilian Federal employee, you must include your rank and/or grade.
3. A complete application questionnaire and online USA Hire Assessments.
If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Assessments, you can find the Reasonable Accommodation process here.
4. Current and former civilian Federal employees - Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".) Note: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step, and competitive status.
5. Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable - Submit a copy of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. If it is not dated within the last 12 months or if you have not received a performance appraisal, please explain why in your application.
6. CTAP & ICTAP applicants - If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents.
7. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: If you are a current or former land management agency appointee - you must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows: a) A copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment; b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and (c) A copy of your Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
8. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, 30% Disabled Veteran Eligible: DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days.
9. Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable) - OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.
10. Schedule A Documentation: A copy of your Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
11. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA: A copy of your Peace Corp Description of Service (DOS) Letter, SF-50, or your VISTA Verification of Service letter from your representative after successful completion of the program.
12. Military Spouses (if applicable) - You must submit verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND: (1) a copy of your spouse's active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse's 100% service-connected disability (VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member's death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.
13. Transcripts (if using education to qualify) - Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, an official transcript may be requested at a later time
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date (07/02/2026) of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS My Account tab and clicking on Application Status. For a more detailed update of your application status, you may click on more information.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
