This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/680172300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Cross-Cutting Issues Law Office (CCILO), Washington, DC. For more information on this office, visit its website: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-general-counsel-ogc.
09/28/2022 to 10/12/2022
$148,484 - $176,300 per year
GS 15
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - Occasional Travel, Intermittent international travel, for annual meetings, trade negotiations, and/or capacity-building initiatives.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
15
Yes
No
OGC-2022-0021
680172300
About the Cross-Cutting Issues Law Office:
The Cross-Cutting Issues Law Office (CCILO) is one of seven law offices that comprise OGC and consists for three practice groups. The office provides legal counsel and legal services to EPA programs and other Law Office, with respect to the Administrative Procedure Act, federal Indian Law, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Environmental Justice, international environmental issues, climate change, and several other areas
Responsibilities:
CCILO, in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), is seeking applicants to serve as Deputy Associate General Counsel, a supervisory position. The Deputy Associate General Counsel will work with the Associate General Counsel to supervise three assistant general counsels, 11 attorneys, and one program specialist.
The Deputy assists the CCILO Associate in working with attorneys in the Office to provide legal counsel on matters related to: advising on Administrative Law, FACA, NEPA, environmental justice, federal Indian law, international environmental law, and other laws under CCILO’s purview; working with Department of Justice attorneys on litigation matters; and determining the effect on EPA of proposed legislation, new or proposed program requirements, etc.
The CCILO Deputy will assist the CCILO Associate by providing legal counsel, opinions, litigation support, and legal services with respect to areas in CCILO’s portfolio. The Deputy will also exercise supervision over CCILO staff. CCILO attorneys advise the highest levels of Agency managers, and it is not uncommon to manage high profile, critically sensitive issues.
Responsibilities of the Law Office
CCILO provides legal advice under the federal statutes, executive orders, Constitution, treaties, and policies that affect all of EPA’s programs -- including the Administrative Procedure Act, federal Indian law, the NEPA, FACA, the Endangered Species Act, Environmental Justice (EJ) (E.O. 12898), 5th Amendment takings, Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation, and Children's Health (E.O. 13045). The Office also provides advice on rulemaking issues such as final agency action, judicial deference, and administrative records as well as providing a focal point for international environmental legal expertise and advice. In addition, the Office handles legal matters arising in connection with the Agency’s scientific functions, and coordinates climate change resilience issues.
CCILO is divided into three practice groups, each of which is led by an Assistant General Counsel:
International Environmental Law Practice Group
Communities and Ecosystems Practice Group
Regulatory Issues Practice Group
Responsibilities of the Deputy Associate General Counsel
Assists the CCILO Associate in working with attorneys in the Office to provide legal counsel on matters related to: advising on Administrative Law, FACA, NEPA, EJ, federal Indian law, international environmental law, and other laws under CCILO’s purview; working with Department of Justice attorneys on litigation matters; and determining the effect on EPA of proposed legislation, new or proposed program requirements, etc.
Assists the CCILO Associate in supervising the Office: plans and assigns work and establishes priorities, as needed; addresses matters related to time and attendance, including approving leave requests and time cards; establishes standard office operating procedures, counsels and instructs subordinates; interviews candidates for positions and recommends personnel actions; identifies training needs and provides for employee development; hears and resolves complaints; effects minor disciplinary measures and recommends actions in more serious cases; collaborates with managers in other law offices to coordinate the work of CCILO; and ensures resources are used effectively.
Assists the CCILO Associate in the development of awards, recognition, and performance evaluations.
Works closely with the senior leadership in various program offices and the Regions to provide legal counsel in relevant substantive areas.
Represents EPA and OGC at conferences and/or meetings held with staff offices of the President, other departments and agencies, the Office of Management and Budget, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice, and Congressional members or their staff. Acts on behalf of the CCILO Associate when the Associate is unavailable or as directed.
Works closely alongside others with different viewpoints and social identities from your own (including race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and genetic information).
Applicant must have an LLB. or J.D. degree from an accredited law school; must be admitted to practice before the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and must maintain active status as a member of the bar of one of these jurisdictions. Incumbent should have experience in providing legal advice and counsel at EPA, other federal, state or local agencies or courts, non-governmental organizations, or in private practice.
If you are selected, you must complete a one-year trial period.
Applicants must have experience in providing legal advice and counsel at EPA, other federal, state or local agencies or courts, non-governmental organizations, or in private practice.
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal, leadership, communication and organizational skills, a strong customer service ethic, and an eagerness to teach and mentor attorneys in the Office. Please explain any specialized experience working under the statutes for which CCILO provides counsel in your written statement of interest.
Note: Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume. This document should be uploaded as part of your complete application packet described below under the Supporting Documentation Tab.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form prior to your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
This position is designated as a Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.
To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least five years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues; conducting highly complex counseling and litigation; and leading junior attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. You can also hear a diverse group of attorneys talk about their careers at EPA on the Legal Careers at EPA Webinar.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination. For more information, visit https://hru.gov/Studio_Recruitment/tools/Mythbuster_on_Federal_Hiring_Policies.pdf.
EPA 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. For additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures.
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.
Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.
This position is in the excepted service. Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status; however, this position is covered for the purpose of federal retirement and benefits.
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.
If you are selected, you will be expected to report to work as soon as practical but no later than thirty (30) days from the date you receive a final job offer. Extension of this reporting requirement may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances.
EPA 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. For additional information: http://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures
If you have part-time work experience, read this: http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm
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.
Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination. For more information, visit https://hru.gov/Studio_Recruitment/tools/Mythbuster_on_Federal_Hiring_Policies.pdf.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above and demonstrate an ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.
Initially, you will be evaluated based on the information contained in your resume packet. If an interview is granted, you will also be evaluated based on the responses you provide during an interview. In responding to interview questions, you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did and the outcome.
There is no numerical rating system for applying veteran’s preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Office of General Counsel considers veteran’s preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Documents to be submitted should be provided as one, consolidated PDF document in the following order, uploaded under the Supporting Documentation Tab:
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register and submit all required documents. 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.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred for interviews for further consideration. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Documents to be submitted should be provided as one, consolidated PDF document in the following order, uploaded under the Supporting Documentation Tab:
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register and submit all required documents. 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.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred for interviews for further consideration. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/680172300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.