Summary

EPA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) is the chief legal advisor to EPA. The lawyers in the office provide legal advice on all federal environmental statutes, federal procedural statutes, and the federal statutes that govern EPA's day-to-day operations and international laws and treaties. Headquarters, Washington, DC. For more information, visit our website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-general-counsel-ogc.

This job is open to

• Federal employees - Excepted service
  
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Office of General Counsel (OGC) Permanent Employees Only

Duties

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. Some offices independently handle litigation in front of the Environmental Appeals Board to defend EPA actions, or work to prepare to defend Agency decisions in formal hearings.

The Attorney-Adviser works under the administrative supervision of the Associate General Counsel and the Deputy Associate General Counsel.

From this posting we may hire multiple selections for the following law offices:

Air and Radiation: Air and Radiation Law Office provides legal support for EPA to reduce threats to public health and the environment by cleaning up the nation's air and dealing with radiation issues.

Cross-Cutting Issues: Cross-Cutting Issues Law Office provides legal advice under the numerous federal statutes, Executive Orders, and policies that affect all of EPA's programs, including the Administrative Procedure Act, Environmental Justice, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, Indian law and Children's Health issues.

Pesticides & Toxic Substances: Pesticides and Toxic Substances Law Office handles legal issues for the EPA programs that address pesticides and toxic chemicals, including implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act which substantially revised the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Solid Waste and Emergency Response: Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office provides legal support for the Agency's hazardous and solid waste programs and cleanup initiatives.

Water Law Office: Water Law Office provides legal support for Agency programs that ensure drinking water is safe, that restore and maintain oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife.

Civil Rights & Finance Law Office: Civil Rights & Finance Law Office provides legal counsel and legal services to EPA offices with respect to civil rights, equal employment opportunity, contracts, claims by and against the Agency, real and personal property, financial assistance awards and appropriations law.

Ethics Office: Ethics Office oversees all aspects of the Agency's ethics program including the Standards of Ethical Conduct, conflicts of interest statutes, financial disclosure, ethics training and the Hatch Act.

National FOIA Office: National FOIA Office discharges the Agency's responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act by providing centralized intake for all EPA FOIA requests, developing and issuing FOIA compliance guidance and training managers, staff and FOIA professionals.

General Law Office: General Law Office provides legal advice to the Agency under numerous federal statutes, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Federal Records Act, the Inspector General Act, the Copyright Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

An Attorney Advisor GS 905-15, will:

• Serve as a national expert in various regulations and statutes and will serve as a senior attorney on highly complex matters and litigation that falls within the incumbent's area of expertise, and is responsible for recognizing those questions which require an interpretation by such legal authority.
• Provide expert legal advice to the General Counsel, to the heads of EPA program offices, the pertinent Assistant Administrator and the Deputy Administrator.
• Independently conduct and draft legal research and prepare memoranda, briefs or reports stating facts, legal issues and justifying recommendations and conclusions that are persuasive, legally sound, clearly written, and require minimal editing by supervisors or others.
• Participates in one or more practice groups and identifies and assesses overlapping legal issues in the assigned group to ensure consistency to legal counseling.
• Represents the office or the agency in high level inter-agency meetings, to include advising and assisting congressional committees and their staffs in drafting legislation, or negotiating with top administrative personnel in the agency, private business, or State, local, or foreign governments on complex and difficult factual, legal and policy questions.
• Independently perform the highest level of drafting or reviewing of complex proposed agency decisions, to include analyzing the records, evaluating facts, determining complex and difficult questions of law, and providing the legal advice. Works closely with client offices to ensure that their respective written products (which include (among other things) regulations, guidance, policies, determinations, and communications) are legally sound, clear, and avoid legal pitfalls.
• Prepares, presents and provides technical guidance for litigation, participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences, and examines formal findings for legal sufficiency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

Qualifications

Applicant must have an LL.M. 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 significant experience in providing legal advice and counsel at EPA, other federal, state or local agencies, or courts, non-governmental organizations, or in private practice.

To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include independently performing legal analysis; (attorney's credited with Level C or D (GS-12 to GS-14) independently perform legal analysis); composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique or difficult legal issues; conducting highly complex counseling and litigation; and leading junior attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

Please identify in your written statement of interest/cover letter and resume any specialized experience in administrative and environmental law, if applicable. Note: Applicants must include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume. In addition, applicants must include a writing sample that has not been edited by others. These documents 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.

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.

Additional information

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

Telework is in accordance with current agency policy.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.
  
  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 should be in PDF format only.
  
  
  • Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position.
  • Writing Sample (no more than 15 pages) that reflects your own writing and has not been edited by others.
  • Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
  • 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
  • SF 50
  • Performance appraisal - You are required to submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal, dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months, or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). NOTE: You only need to upload the pages that show the overall rating and manager/supervisor's signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given, not the entire document. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and the date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor's signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or the performance appraisal document.
  • 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).
  
  
  
  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
  
  Please completely read the entire announcement before applying. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.
  
  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
  
  202-564-7907
  
  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. 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
  • 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 should be in PDF format only.

• Written statement of interest (no more than two single-spaced pages), specifically addressing your qualifications for this position.
• Writing Sample (no more than 15 pages) that reflects your own writing and has not been edited by others.
• Resume (Please include a separate business-style resume with your application in lieu of the automated USAJobs resume).
• 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
• SF 50
• Performance appraisal - You are required to submit your most recent completed annual performance appraisal, dated within the last 18 months (if it is not dated within the last 18 months, or you have not received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). NOTE: You only need to upload the pages that show the overall rating and manager/supervisor's signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given, not the entire document. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and the date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor's signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or the performance appraisal document.
• 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).

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

Please completely read the entire announcement before applying. All required documents must be uploaded to this job vacancy announcement by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement.

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

202-564-7907

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