Summary

EPA's Office of General Counsel invites talented and diverse attorneys to apply for an Attorney-Adviser position. This position is located in the Office of General (OGC), Civil Rights and Finance Law Office (CRFLO).

For more information:http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-general-counsel-ogc.

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Excepted service
  
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

About the Civil Rights and Finance Law Office:

OGC serves as the chief legal advisor to the Agency's senior management and program offices on Agency rules, permits, response actions, implementation actions, litigation and legislation. We routinely engage in challenging issues, addressing complex, and often novel or cutting-edge legal issues. OGC attorneys assume great responsibility and quickly become national experts in their assigned areas. They also develop strong analytical, problem solving and communications skills while working closely with their program policy clients, other OGC colleagues, other agencies, and outside stakeholder groups. OGC prides itself on its core values of excellence, community, work-life balance, integrity, empowerment and responsibility, and respect.

This position is in support of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), marking the largest investment in history to combat climate change. With this legislation, we will deliver progress for people and the planet. One of the several new programs to be implemented under the IRA is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which will provide competitive grants to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities.

This position is in the Civil Rights and Finance Law Office (CRFLO). CRFLO provides legal counsel and legal services to EPA programs with respect to civil rights, equal employment opportunity, contracts, claims by and against the Agency, real and personal property, financial assistance awards, interagency agreements, delegations, appropriations law and several other areas. We are currently seeking to hire an attorney with experience in federal financial assistance law (grants) and/or, appropriations.

In this position you will:

• Analyze and anticipate legal issues with a problem-solving approach to support EPA Headquarters program offices (and in some cases other law offices) on a wide variety of issues within the attorney's areas of responsibility.
• Conduct research of laws, legal opinions, precedent cases, and relevant Agency guidance and actions, as needed, to address complex and difficult legal issues, either on their own or as a member of a team.
• Analyze factual and legal issues presented to determine what further facts are needed and what legal sources are applicable.
• Initiate contacts with program officials and other persons having knowledge of the facts involved in the substantive matter or case at issue.
• Provide oral and written advice and counseling in support of all EPA Headquarters program offices on a broad array of legal matters within the attorney's areas of responsibility.
• Provide advice and counsel to the EPA grant program in structuring, reviewing, guiding, and overseeing grant programs authorizing credit transactions involving a wide range of legal and financial issues. The incumbent may also work collaboratively with EPA grant program personnel to review program documents pertaining to loan agreements, loan guarantees or other forms of assistance and associated legal documents for EPA assistance programs.
• Work under the general supervision of the Associate General Counsel and Deputy Associate General Counsel, and as appropriate, under the guidance of one or more practice group leaders.

At EPA you will work 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).

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.

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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must submit a resume and required documentssee How to Apply section.

• You must be a U.S. citizen
• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required
• You must submit a statement of interest, resume and all other required documents (See How to Apply)
• You may be required to travel occasionally

Qualifications

Applicant must have an LL.B. 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 demonstrating competencies relevant to the duties listed above.

If you are selected, you must complete a one-year trial period.

The ideal candidate will have experience with federal financial assistance law (grants) and/or appropriations, a very strong academic and employment record, including evidence of nuanced legal analysis with respect to both statutory construction and applicable case law, excellent research and writing skills, superior oral and written communication, strong interpersonal skills, initiative and self-motivation, the ability to work effectively in a team and independently, a commitment to public service, demonstrated leadership ability, mature judgement and the ability to work with diverse persons and perspectives. Knowledge and relevant experience in grants, and/or appropriations law is preferred.

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-11 grade level: Performing legal analysis on complex and difficult legal issues; formulating recommendations to senior managers for review by supervisors; and preparing and assisting in filing, composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in counseling or litigation. Examples of specialized experience include:

1. The ability to analyze and anticipate legal issues with a problem-solving approach on a wide variety of issues within the attorney's areas of responsibility.
2. Conduct research of laws, legal opinions, precedent cases, and relevant guidance to address complex and difficult legal issues.
3. Provide oral and written advice and counseling support on a broad array of legal matters within the attorney's areas of responsibility.

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.

Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Environmental Protection Agency considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

More information on GS levels for the 0905 Attorney position are available at:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/classifying-general-schedule-positions/standards/0900/gs0905.pdf.

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 High 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

Additional information

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

These positions are in the bargaining unit.

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.

This position is a Time Limited Appointment, NTE September 30, 2026.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.
  
  Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.
  
  Review our 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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Initially, you will be evaluated based on the information contained in your resume packet. If an interview is granted, you will 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.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.
  
  Telework is available based on agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement which may not allow for full-time telework. NOTE: The agency is currently utilizing maximum telework flexibilities due to COVID. Once normal operations resume, you will be required to report to the location stated in this announcement.
  
  Review our 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.
• Required Documents
  
  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 online and should be provided as one, consolidated PDF document in the following order, uploaded under the Supporting Documentation Tab:
  
  NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.
  
  
  • Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position. Also indicate your preferences among the law offices, if you are interested in only certain positions, or want to be considered for all open positions, including positions that may become available in the future (before our next hiring cycle).
  • Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
  • A legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author - with only minor (if any) edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
  • References (names and contact information of three professional references)
  • Copy of law school and undergraduate degree transcript (unofficial or official). Photocopies are sufficient. Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
  • Copy of bar certification
  • Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable; active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
  
  
  To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.
  
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  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 assessment 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.
  
  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.
  
  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
  
  EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.
  
  
  • 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 three 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 (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official's office.
  
  
  • If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
  
  
  The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Kay Weems
  
  Phone
  
  202-564-6271
  
  Fax
  
  202-564-7544
  
  Email
  
  Weems.Kay@epa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Environmental Protection Agency
  
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20460
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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.
  
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Documents to be submitted online and should be provided as one, consolidated PDF document in the following order, uploaded under the Supporting Documentation Tab:

NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.

• Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position. Also indicate your preferences among the law offices, if you are interested in only certain positions, or want to be considered for all open positions, including positions that may become available in the future (before our next hiring cycle).
• Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
• A legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author - with only minor (if any) edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
• References (names and contact information of three professional references)
• Copy of law school and undergraduate degree transcript (unofficial or official). Photocopies are sufficient. Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
• Copy of bar certification
• Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable; active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).

To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.


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.

How to Apply

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 assessment 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.

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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

• 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 three 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 (e.g., writing sample or interview), you should notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official's office.

• If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.

The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.

Agency contact information



Kay Weems

Phone

202-564-6271

Fax

202-564-7544

Email

Weems.Kay@epa.gov

Address

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, District of Columbia 20460

United States

Next steps

The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request