This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE SECTION
TRIAL ATTORNEYS
GS-13 to GS-15
OPEN: FEBRUARY 10, 2014
CLOSE: FEBRUARY 28, 2014
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: ENRD-14-006-EXC
NOTE: Three or more positions may be filled from this vacancy.
About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for anticipated vacancies in the near future in its Environmental Defense Section (“EDS” or “Section”) in Washington, D.C.
The Environmental Defense Section represents the United States in complex civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes. EDS is the only section in the Environment Division that routinely handles cases in both federal circuit and district courts. EDS defends rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies under the pollution control laws, brings enforcement actions against those who destroy wetlands in violation of the Clean Water Act, and defends the United States against challenges to its cleanup and compliance actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities and private sites.
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: Primary duties include representing federal agencies in disputes under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and other pollution control statutes. Work assignments will include handling all aspects of CERCLA defensive litigation, including pre-trial and discovery tasks involving document reviews and document productions, preparation and filing of dispositive motions, taking and defending expert and fact witness depositions, and negotiating settlements.
Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and must have at least three years of post-J.D., relevant civil/environmental litigation experience, and be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). The ideal candidate should possess an excellent academic record and strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills. The ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive understanding of environmental law and federal civil procedure, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Travel: Travel is required.
Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is GS-13 ($89,924 – $116,901), GS-14 ($106,263-$138,136) and GS-15 ($124,995 – $157,100) per annum.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Terms of Appointment: Permanent. The selected attorneys are eligible for employment benefits such as health and life insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System program, paid vacation and sick leave, and a public transportation subsidy.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Submission Process and Deadline Date: The positions are for anticipated vacancies in the near future. Applicants are encouraged to respond on or before February 28, 2014.
Applicants must submit the following materials to ATTYAPPLY-EDS.ENRD@USDOJ.GOV: (1) resume; (2) short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages); (3) law school transcript; (4) cover letter of not more than two pages highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing experience and any other factors that you believe would be a good fit for EDS’ litigation practice; and (5) declaration for federal employment – http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf.
Internet Sites: For more information about the Environment & Natural Resources Division, visit the Justice Department’s web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd. This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.
Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination based on color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or nonmembership in an employee organization, or personal favoritism. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.
Schedule A: The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. Proof of a disability (ies) is required from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., State or private); or any Federal agency, State agency or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation need only certify that the applicant has a disability which is long-term and/or permanent in nature.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.