Summary

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), National FOIA Office (NFO), FOIA Operations and Reporting Team (FORT), Washington, DC. For more information on this office, visit their website: 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 National FOIA Office:

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reflects our country's fundamental commitment to government accountability and transparency. The National FOIA Office (NFO) leads EPA in discharging its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act.

The NFO, located in the Office of General Counsel, provides legal advising services and a wide range of programmatic services pertaining to the Agency's implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, including FOIA request intake, assignment, clarification, determination of expedited processing and fee waiver requests, preparing monthly and annual FOIA reports, providing training, and reviewing and updating the Agency's FOIA regulations, policies, and procedures, and staffing the Agency's FOIA Requester Center and FOIA Public Liaison.

The FOIA Operations and Reporting Team (FORT) performs the intake review and assignment of all FOIA requests EPA receives; it monitors EPA's FOIA implementation; and it recommends reports regarding EPA's FOIA performance to the Administrator, the Chief FOIA Officer, EPA Senior Leadership, and the Attorney General. The FORT staffs the EPA's FOIA Requester Center to assist the public with questions about how to file a request for EPA records and the status of submitted FOIA requests and oversees EPA's operation of a software system to automate FOIA processing and recordkeeping. The FORT aids in the reviewing EPA FOIA regulations, policy, procedures, guidelines, and recommending to the Chief FOIA Officer adjustments to improve EPA's implementation of the FOIA.

In this position, you will:

• Assist the NFO Associate General Counsel and Deputy Associate General Counsel in managing the day-to-day operation of the FORT, including overseeing and managing the work of the attorneys, paralegals, and government information specialists assigned to work on FORT projects;
• Serve as an expert on the Freedom of Information Act, recordkeeping, and reporting, including on technology and software solutions;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports regarding EPA's FOIA implementation and make recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EPA's FOIA processing and response, including by recommending updates to EPA's FOIA guidelines, procedures, policy, and regulations.
• Assign work to the practice group and any staff performing interdivisional assignments with the FORT and review assigned work and provide feedback to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the FOIA and the delivery of consistent, coherent, and sound legal advice.
• Act as the contact person for high-level communications with EPA senior managers, other U.S. government senior management officials, and the public.
• Consult with the NFO Associate General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on issues relating to staff, performance, promotions and awards.
• 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).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

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; (attorneys 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.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal, leadership, communication and organizational skills, a strong customer service ethic, and an eagerness to teach and mentor the practice group.

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.

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

• 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.
  
  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 and 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.
  
  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 should be in PDF format only:
  
  
  • A resume (business style)
  • 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.
  • 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
  
  In order for your application to be considered, all required supporting documents must be included with your application and must be in PDF format. 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.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  Christie Watkins
  
  Phone
  
  202-564-2802
  
  Fax
  
  202-564-7544
  
  Email
  
  watkins.christie@epa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Environmental Protection Agency
  
  US Environmental Protection Agnecy
  
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  
  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.
  
  UNDER BENEFITS:
  
  URL: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits
• 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 should be in PDF format only:

• A resume (business style)
• 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.
• 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

In order for your application to be considered, all required supporting documents must be included with your application and must be in PDF format. 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.

Agency contact information



Christie Watkins

Phone

202-564-2802

Fax

202-564-7544

Email

watkins.christie@epa.gov

Address

Environmental Protection Agency

US Environmental Protection Agnecy

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

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.

UNDER BENEFITS:

URL: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

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