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.

Staff Attorney-Law Clerk
Ho-Chunk Nation (Black River Falls, WI)

NMLA staff attorney position available at Native American Program in Santa Ana

Chris Vigil will leave the Native American Program at New Mexico Legal Aid next month to accept a position working on water rights adjudications with the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts. It’s a great opportunity for Chris, but a loss for NMLA. We very much appreciate the great work Chris has done for our clients, and we wish him much success in his new position.

Chris’s decision means that NMLA is now seeking a staff attorney to join the Native American Program in Santa Ana. The NAP staff attorney will handle cases and matters involving federal Indian law and Indian tribal law issues, including representation of low income individuals in tribal and Pueblo courts.  In addition, the staff attorney may be required to handle poverty law issues involving consumer and family law issues in forums other than tribal court and to conduct outreach in tribal and Pueblo communities.  The attorney will also be active in relevant bar and community activities.

The Native American Program does creative, challenging and complex work in a context of rich cultures and diverse client communities. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our Native American communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.

Requirements:  Experience with Native American legal issues and communities, especially New Mexico tribal and Pueblo communities, will be highly preferred. At least two years’ experience in handling criminal defense cases, especially those arising in tribal or Pueblo courts, will be highly preferred. Must be willing to travel. Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and ability to manage a significant caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.  Proficiency in relevant Native American languages is a plus.

Send a current resume and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to:  jobs@nmlegalaid.org

Salary:  DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer.

Deadline:  August 14, 2015.

Ak-Chin Indian Community

Job Title:                                Assistant Prosecutor
Pay Range:                            $67,028 – $80,433.50
Reports to:                            Prosecutor
Supervises:                           Not a Supervisory position.

Summary:      Under general direction of the Prosecutor, prosecutes cases on behalf of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.  This is treated as an exempt position.

Minimum Qualifications:     Experience equivalent to two years of full time work providing legal counsel in a tribal, local government, or corporate setting, at least one year of trial work is preferred.  Federal Indian Law course work or clinical experience in an Indian legal clinic or law school setting will be considered toward the required experience.  Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and possess a Juris Doctorate.  Must posses a valid Arizona Driver’s License and be able to meet the Community’s insurance carrier requirements. (see list attached to application or on the website).

Hiring Preference:  The Community affords Indian Preference and Veterans’ preference.  In applying Indian Preference, preference will be given to qualified Community members, then to qualified Native Americans, and then other qualified candidates. Except as otherwise stated herein, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other non-merit factor.  Applicants wishing to claim Indian Preference must submit a Certificate of Indian Blood or proof of tribal enrollment at the time of application.  All applicants wishing to claim Veterans’ Preference must submit a copy of a certified Department of Defense DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.”

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Reviews/investigates cases involving violation of Community Code, signing charges when case is prosecutable.
2. Prepares cases for prosecution in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
3. Meets with defense attorneys/other representatives to discuss resolution of cases.
4. Interviews witnesses, including officers, to prepare an effective prosecution case.
5. Prosecutes Code violations in Court.
6. Assists in training tribal law enforcement staff.
7. Drafts additions/revisions to the Community Code.
8. Attends a variety of meetings with Community Council/management to discuss issues/problems and report on office activities and related issues.
9. Conducts legal research to prepare motions and other pleadings.
10. Assists in implementing proactive programs for both juveniles and adults
11. Oversees office when Prosecutor is away from office
12. Other job related duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of and skill in interpreting Tribal, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations impacting tribal governments in the State of Arizona.
• Knowledge of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Code/Ordinances.
• Knowledge of the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively representing a tribal government in court and administrative proceedings.
• Knowledge of legal reference resources and techniques used to prepare and present an effective defense of tribal programs, functions, and activities in court and administrative proceedings.
• Knowledge of and skill in the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively prosecuting violations in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
• Knowledge of legal reference resources and research techniques used to prepare and present an effective prosecution of violations in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
• Knowledge of word processing computer software.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Community Council members, other Department heads, attorneys, and the public.
• Skill in representing a tribal government in court/administrative proceedings.
• Skill in prosecuting cases in tribal Court.
• Skill in negotiating plea agreements.

Closing Date:   Friday, July 31, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.   To be considered for this position, please submit a signed and complete Ak-Chin Indian Community application (additional resume optional), 39-month driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a copy of CIB or proof of tribal enrollment if claiming Indian Preference, and a copy of DD214 if claiming Veteran’s preference to:

Ak-Chin Indian Community
Attn:  HR Department 15-37
42507 W. Peters and Nall Rd.
Maricopa, AZ 85138

Fax:  520-568-1051
Email:  resumes@ak-chin.nsn.us
Website:  www.ak-chin.nsn.us

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

 PUEBLO OF LAGUNA
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 2015-39A
OPEN TO IN-HOUSE AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

POSITION: Attorney
OPENING DATE: July 15, 2015
CLOSING DATE: August 14, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Governor/Government Affairs Department
SALARY RANGE: E-19; $67,692 – $101,537

Position Summary:
Under the direct administrative supervision of the Government Affairs Director, serves as an in-house legal advisor, representative, and counselor to the Pueblo of Laguna including programs and departments. Ensures that all applicable laws are followed to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty. Provides assistance to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation and to protect the legal interests of the Pueblo government.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Advises and represents the Pueblo of Laguna in general legal matters as assigned by the Government Affairs Director, including contract matters, relations with the United States Government and federal agencies, relations with state and local governments and agencies.
• Appears before and responds to federal and state legislative committees, litigation in federal, state, municipal or tribal courts on behalf of the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Coordinates legal work and activities; keeps proper records of work performed or received.
• Attends Pueblo Council meetings, Staff Officers meetings, entities board meetings, and other meetings as directed by the Government Affairs Director in order to provide regular reports on legal issues relevant to the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Provides general legal services to the Pueblo’s programs and departments, routinely reviewing legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operations.
• Provides legal advice and representation on legal matters which include but are not limited to economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, natural resources, environmental resources, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, health and welfare issues, and employment law that may have a potential impact on Pueblo employees and/or Pueblo operations.
• Maintains active communication with outside counsel to prevent duplication of effort and to assure an effective resolution of problems.
• Reviews legal documents, including but not limited to court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending legislation to protect the Pueblo of Laguna’s interests.
• Drafts legal documents, ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, position papers, legal memoranda, correspondence, and executive summaries.
• May be assigned to work with various Pueblo Boards and Committees on issues of concern, attend meetings, or other external meetings as directed.
• Consistently applies Core Values supporting Workforce Excellence.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduate of law school accredited by the ABA required; minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in at least three of the following areas: federal Indian law; commercial transactions; leasing; construction law; experience performing complex litigation for tribal governments; and code development required. Experience with executive, legislative, and judicial functions of tribal government is preferred. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico or must be licensed within the first year of employment. Fluency in the Laguna language preferred.

Background Investigation Requirements:
Every position within the Pueblo of Laguna governmental operations must be designated at a position risk level commensurate with public trust responsibilities and attributes of the position. Each applicant will be subject to suitability determination by using a background investigation process. The level of review is based on the level of public trust associated with the job duties of the position. This position is considered a High Risk Public Trust (HRT) position. To obtain a copy of the Pueblo’s Suitability policy, please see a POL Human Resources Representative.

Type of Background Check Required
-Pre-Employment Drug Screening
-Background Investigation (Criminal Check, Sex Offender Check, Social Security Trace,
-Driving Record, Civil Court Check – if applicable, Tribal Criminal Check – if applicable)
-Employment Verification, Education/License Verification, Personal Reference Verification
-Fingerprint Verification
-Must Be Able to Drive a Pueblo Issued Vehicle
Other

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
• Knowledge of traditional form of government and pueblo customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the functions and structure of the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, Indian law, regulations, and requirements including US, Part 25; the Pueblo of Laguna Constitution; all existing and applicable codes; Executive Orders, and Council directives; and applicable Federal and State laws regarding tribal operations and its’ sovereigns, reservation boundaries, and jurisdictions.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to interpret applicable laws, regulations, requirements, ordinances, and legislation.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
• Ability to create and present effective speeches and presentations.
• Ability to identify and secure alternative funding or revenue sources.
• Skill in computer use, including Westlaw, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and software specific to field.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting complex technical documents, manual, journals, and instructions, financial reports.
• Skill in offering differing opinion in discussion for like objectives in multi-governmental or intra-governmental situations to enhance acceptance of opposing or conflicting views.
• Skill in budget preparation and administration.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.

Application Instructions:
• Go to www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov and click on Employment Opportunities for application instructions and application form. Read instructions prior to completing application form; incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes are encouraged but not in lieu of a complete application form.
• All hand delivered documents must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than 4:30 pm (MDT) on the closing date. All electronically mailed documents must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than 11:59pm (MDT) on the closing date.
• Application packets may be submitted by one of the following methods:
1. E-mail to POLemployment@lagunapueblo-nsn.gov;
2. Mail to Pueblo of Laguna Human Resources; P.O. Box 194; Laguna, NM 87026
3. Deliver to the Human Resources Office, 22 Capital Drive; Laguna, NM
4. Fax to (505) 552-9675
For more information, contact Karen Chino, at (505) 552-5778 or by e-mail at the above address.