This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html
ATTORNEY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION
NATURAL RESOURCES SECTION
GS-13/15
TRIAL ATTORNEY
OPEN: FEBRUARY 11, 2014
CLOSE: MARCH 4, 2014
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: ENRD-14-013-EXC
About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for its Natural Resources Section in Washington, DC. ENRD seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. ENRD fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. We place a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspective and encourage applications from all ethnic groups, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
The Natural Resources Section litigates cases arising from more than 80 different natural and cultural resource statutes, environmental statutes, and numerous treaties, international agreements, interstate compacts and congressional referrals. The diverse and dynamic subject matter of the Section’s docket includes cases involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, the National Park Service Organic Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the National Trails System Act. The Section’s cases, many of them of first impression and significant media interest, involve the stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; the Nation’s trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes; and vital federal programs ranging from nuclear materials management to military preparedness to energy policy and resource extraction.
The Section handles a wide variety of cutting-edge Fifth Amendment takings litigation involving real property, as well as original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes. The Section’s cases are tried throughout the United States and its possessions and territories in both state and federal court. The Section represents virtually every major federal agency.
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The attorney selected will handle cases involving novel and complex issues associated with the interpretation of statutes, treaties, regulations and executive orders relating to federal programs and the stewardship of the Nation’s natural resource, as determined by the Section’s needs. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly. Successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and desire for primary responsibilities in sophisticated litigation, proficiency in working with a wide range of experts, and the ability to harness leading edge technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. Creative thinking and considerable talent in problem-solving — whether in a litigation or settlement context — are indispensable.
Qualifications: The Section’s docket is demanding and requires top caliber work products. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, outstanding legal writing, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least five years of post-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of natural resource management, trusts, or Indian law is a plus. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.
Travel: Periodic 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, DC
Term of Appointment: Initial appointment to this position is for a period not to exceed two years. Selected attorneys who perform successfully will be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment. Selected attorneys are eligible for employment benefits such as health and life insurance, the FERS retirement program, paid vacation and sick leave, and a public transportation subsidy.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 4, 2014.
Applicants must email a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (Click on the link below to obtain the OF-306) to:
James D. Gette, Acting Chief, Natural Resources Section, U.S. Department of Justice
Please reference vacancy announcement number ENRD-14-013-EXC.
Email applications only, please to attyapply-nrs.enrd@usdoj.gov
OF-306-Declaration for Federal Employment
No telephone calls, please.
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.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. 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.
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.
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 medial 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.