Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)
Natural Resources Section
Attorney
601 D Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States
ENRD-15-060-EXC
About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) 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 are open, diverse, collegial and inclusive. ENRD places a high value on and fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds, physical abilities, sexual orientations, and experiences may reach their full potential.
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 also 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 courts. The Section represents virtually every major federal agency.
For more information about the work of the Natural Resources Section, visit the Justice Department’s web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd .
Job Description:
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The attorney(s) 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 awarded no later than August 2010, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least five years 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.
Salary: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is: GS-14 ($107,325 – $139,523) and GS-15 ($126,245 – $158,700).
Travel: Periodic travel is required.
Application Process: Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applications must be received by Monday, August 31, 2015.
Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and OF-306 to:
Lisa Lynne Russell
Chief, Natural Resources Section
U.S. Department of Justice:
Subject line: ENRD-15-060-EXC
Email applications to: ATTYAPPLY-NRS.ENRD@USDOJ.GOV
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If email submission is not possible, please forward your application materials to the following address:
U.S. Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
Natural Resources Section
P.O. Box 561, Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0561
Attn: Lisa Lynne Russell, Chief
No telephone calls, please.
How You Will Be Evaluated: You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience you report relative to this position. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.
Please note: The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 80 days after the announcement closes.
Application Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2015
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Number of Positions: One position. The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 80 days after the announcement closes.