Duties

Summary

If you are ready to begin your new career or are looking for a place to make an impact, what better place than a top ranked agency in the federal government? We are looking for the best and brightest to join our team of dedicated professionals here at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), where we are ranked in the top 5 in the Best Places to Work in the federal government rankings.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency that regulates natural gas and hydropower projects and oversees various aspects of the energy markets within the United States. As part of FERC's team of professional and technical specialists, you will review applications for the construction of energy infrastructure projects and set policy direction for the energy industry at large. We value independence, analytic ability, communication skills, integrity and objectivity. At FERC, you will have the opportunity to work with some most talented people in government. One of the unique aspects of working for FERC is the wide range of challenges you will face over the course of your career. To learn more about the Commission, please visit www.ferc.gov. This position is located in the Energy Projects section of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). OGC-Energy Projects provides legal advice to the Commission on a wide range of regulatory issues, with emphasis on energy infrastructure development and environmental matters. Staff attorneys work with wildlife biologists, archaeologists, engineers, environmental scientists, land use planners, and other experts to analyze and resolve issues arising from the proposed construction and operation of natural gas pipeline and storage projects, liquefied natural gas facilities, and hydropower projects. Attorneys in OGC-Energy Projects advise the Commission on issues relating to the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other relevant statues. Legal interns will work with staff attorneys and technical staff from the Office of Energy Projects and Office of Energy Market Regulation to review applications relating to hydropower and natural gas infrastructure projects. They will draft legal memorandums and orders addressing energy project development applications, review environmental documents associated with those applications, apply the statutory provisions of the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act in preparing those documents, and advise Commission offices on compliance with those statutes. Interns will also have the opportunity to develop a research project on the topic of their choosing and present it to the office. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in Commission-wide events for interns from all offices.

This is a SUMMER 2020 internship position. To learn more about our Summer Intern Program and the activities involved, click here: FERC Summer Internships

At time of application, applicant must submit proof of current enrollment in a degree-seeking program. If selected, applicant must provide proof of continuing education through either the Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 semesters. To meet the definition of a student, applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program.

These positions are temporary, they may be converted to a full time, career-conditional position. Any conversions to full time or career-conditional status is neither implied nor guaranteed.

• Conduct legal research for authorities and precedent cases on a specific point of law.
• Draft legal memorandums and orders addressing energy project development applications.
• Review environmental documents associated with energy project development applications.
• Apply the statutory provisions of the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act in orders and memorandums addressing energy project development applications.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
09

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Successfully complete a background investigation.
• Applicants must submit transcripts at time of application.
• Must be enrolled in Fall 2020 and/or into Spring 2021 semester.
• Must be a US citizen

List of Department of Education accredited institutions: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Qualifications

Candidates must have one full year of general experience at the lower grade level or equivalent education. General experience is described as progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position.

Education Requirement: GS-9 Candidate must have master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D.

At time of appointment candidates must meet the qualification requirements.

Education

Additional information

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your resume will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. The materials you send with your resume will not be returned. If you are selected at a grade lower than the highest shown in this listing, you will be placed under a career development plan and can be non-competitively promoted when you successfully complete the requirements for the higher grade. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

**Telework is NOT authorized for this position. Incumbent will be required to physically report to FERC Headquaters in Washington, DC.

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. Please use the following link for additional information: Ctrl+Click or tap to follow the link" href="https://hru.gov/Studio_Recruitment/tools/Mythbuster_on_Federal_Hiring_Policies.pdf">Mythbusters of Federal Hiring

More than one selection for similar positions may be made from this announcement and the program office for that selection may vary. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s).

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program ( E-Verify ). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

CANDIDATES MUST PROVIDE TRANSCRIPTS IN ORDER FOR COURSEWORK TO BE VERIFIED; FAILURE TO INCLUDE TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESULT IN CANDIDATES NOT BEING CONSIDERED; TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION.

*SELF-PREPARED TRANSCRIPTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

We will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications Section. Your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies. The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Ability to utilize correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling to communicate information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; skilled in producing written work product, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.

Ability to provide clear, accurate, and appropriately characterized written summaries and verbal briefings of procedural history and facts and issues of fact and law in assigned cases.

Knowledge and familiarity with relevant energy and environmental law statues including the Federal Power Act, Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Water Act.

Ability to use knowledge acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's duties; Ability to work with, understand, and evaluate technical information related to the job; skilled in advising others on technical issues.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you will not be considered for this position (or will not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible). CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Documentation Relating to Your Federal Employment Submit an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. If you are currently on a Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), submit an SF-50 showing that. Indicate on your application the highest permanent grade you have held; if this grade is different from your current grade, you must submit an additional SF-50 showing this grade in order to receive credit. (FERC EMPLOYEES ARE ALSO REQUIRED to submit any SF-50 which documents the experience with another organization other than FERC). CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must submit proof of eligibility. For more information, click here . SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES DOCUMENTATION If you are applying under a special hiring authority, submit a copy of proof of your eligibility. VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT (VEOA) DOCUMENTATION If you are applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, SF-15, official VA letter along with any other required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. An SF-15 may be found here.

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.