Summary

The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient & cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, & investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place.

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Special authorities
  
  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

EXCEPTED SERVICE: This position is being filled using the excepted service hiring authority Schedule A, 213.3102(d). Attorneys for this occupation.

The Office of Counsel provides independent legal and policy advice to all components of the OIG on a variety of substantive and procedural matters relating to the OIG's audit, evaluation, investigation, and other activities. This office represents the OIG in administrative litigation before the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Labor. This position serves as a Deputy Counsel to the Inspector General in EPA OIG's Office of Counsel and provides an opportunity for a seasoned attorney to function in a generalist environment with a focus on a wide variety of investigation, audit, evaluation and management issues. This position will require supervision of the OC staff and involvement in OC management. An active Bar membership is required.

The ideal candidate will perform the following duties:

• Serves as Deputy Counsel and assists the Counsel to the Inspector General in matters relating to Counsel's responsibility to provide expert legal services to the Inspector General and EPA OIG staff.
• Assists the Counsel in handling the substantial legal workload of conducting legal research and analysis and providing advice and opinions on a wide variety of issues regarding EPA OIG's audits, evaluations, investigations, and management activities.
• Resolves difficult and complex legal factual issues without specific instruction. Prepares and reviews legal documents including but not limited to legal memoranda, subpoenas, correspondence, agreements, and policy proposals.
• Engages in collaboration and liaison activities with entities within and outside of EPA OIG, including the EPA Office of General Counsel, the IG legal community, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, the Department of Justice and other Federal agencies, as well as members of the public.
• Supervises OC attorneys in litigation matters, including general, FOIA, and personnel litigation.
• Supervises the EPA OIG FOIA and ethics program.
• Receives varied work assignments in support of all of the above, and is responsible for supervising Assistant Counsels and support staff, and for carrying out effective human resources management, budget, and resource program initiatives.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.
• The incumbent must obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• You must submit resume and required documents (See How to Apply)

This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction) and must have at least two or more years of post J.D./LL.B. experience, including knowledge of Federal statutes and regulations, experience in working collaboratively with DOJ or USAO that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge and ability to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To qualify at the GS-15 level, applicants must have four or more years of post-J.D. legal experience in ethics, two of which were specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level.

Examples of specialized experience include:

• Independently performing legal analysis; composing memoranda, pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues.
• Providing legal advice to senior officials, managers and employees on Federal statutes and regulations.
• Analyzing allegations for potential violations of law; creating investigative plans; conducts investigative interviews; obtains electronic and documentary evidence; reviews and organizes evidence.
• Presenting matters to the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys and drafting investigative reports. Conducts briefings or training of senior level staff; leading attorneys, paralegals or support
• Preparing justifications and formulating recommendations for criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits by the DOJ, or through alternative means, such as the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act.

Education

Education: All attorney and law clerk trainee positions have a minimum requirement of completing a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited school (accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Bar Membership: All attorney positions require current active bar membership (hold active license to practice law). Admission to the bar of any State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, or Federal Court is acceptable. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with the EPA OIG. Active Bar membership must be verified prior to appointment.

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon appointment.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified.

Additional information

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.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

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: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

• 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.
  
  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.

This position is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Excepted Service Authority. Under the provisions of the Excepted Service Authority, traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply. We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. All applicants who meet these requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.

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.
  
  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:
  
  
  • Copy of bar certification
  • Résumé- Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position
  • Law school transcripts (official transcripts due before final offer)
  • SF-50(s) to document eligibility, if applicable
  • Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities(if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include: Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.
  • Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy, VA Letter, and SF-15, if applicable; active duty military submit statement of
    service from commanding officer documenting dates of active duty and any campaign medals/badges; include character of service, if applicable
  • Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP - copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station, if applicable
  
  
  
  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 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.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Inspector General Ofc-HR
  
  Phone
  
  000-000-0000
  
  Fax
  
  202-566-0000
  
  Email
  
  EPA_OIG_Recruiting@epa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Environmental Protection Agency
  
  US Environmental Protection Agency
  
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  
  MC: 2450T
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20460
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
• 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
  • 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:

• Copy of bar certification
• Résumé- Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position
• Law school transcripts (official transcripts due before final offer)
• SF-50(s) to document eligibility, if applicable
• Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities(if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include: Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.
• Veterans' Preference Documents - DD-214 Member 4 copy, VA Letter, and SF-15, if applicable; active duty military submit statement of
  service from commanding officer documenting dates of active duty and any campaign medals/badges; include character of service, if applicable
• Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP - copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station, if applicable

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 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.

Agency contact information



Inspector General Ofc-HR

Phone

000-000-0000

Fax

202-566-0000

Email

EPA_OIG_Recruiting@epa.gov

Address

Environmental Protection Agency

US Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

MC: 2450T

Washington, District of Columbia 20460

United States

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your online occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

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
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request