Duties

GS-14 level: The incumbent provides authoritative legal advice and services to the Field Director and the professional staff of the Enforcement Bureau field on legal matters pertaining to assigned legal issues and enforcement activities. Is responsible for proper interpretation of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, the Commission Rules and all Commission's policy; evaluates current and potential legal issues; and initiates original research and investigative analysis. Uses legal expertise in researching precedents and advises on appropriateness of enforcement actions and/or recommendations for alternative approaches. Assignments encompass complex enforcement matters and often are subject to strict statutory time constraints. Incumbent must quickly assess the legal and policy implications involved in each case, determine Commission and Bureau objectives, and confer with, and provide assistance to the Regional staff in devising strategies to best implement those objectives. Drafts, reviews and approves sanctions. Conducts settlement negotiations on behalf of the Commission within approved parameters. Prepares records, pleadings, and other necessary documents in litigation proceedings to which the Commission and Bureau are a party. Duties require a high order of legal draftsmanship including the ability to relate engineering considerations to the legal issues, to evaluate divergent points of view, and to present findings and recommendations in a clear and concise fashion. Incumbent must discuss, explain, defend, and promote Commission policies in contacts with representatives of foreign governments, state law enforcement authorities, regulatees, and private attorneys. These contacts require considerable tact and judgment. Keeps abreast of developments affecting regulatory matters by reviewing court and Commission decisions, professional publications, and trade press. As assigned, reviews notices of rulemaking, proposed Commission orders, and decisions initiated by the Bureau's other Divisions to ensure policy consistency.

This position is critical sensitive and a Top Secret clearance is required for this position so that the incumbent is granted access to classified material and classified intelligence data that is relevant information to the responsibilities assigned to this position.

GS-15 Level: In addition to the duties performed at the GS-14 level, the Incumbent must provide a high level of original, creative analysis and legal interpretation to complex enforcement matters and formulation of policy positions and regulatory matters. Participates in the development of long-range goals and objectives for the Field on complex legal issues of significant public importance. Exercises full responsibility for the development, presentation, and completion of proceedings. Develops criteria for implementation of Commission legal decisions for the EB field. Based on comprehensive knowledge of legal and policy implications of decisions, presents guidelines for enforcement actions. Maintains close working relationships with staff of the EB field and Bureau in order to exchange information needed to accomplish the field's functions. Represents the Bureau in conferences with representatives of industry and government to resolve their concerns and/or present the Commission position on enforcement matters. Participates in discussions with Bureau management concerning policy objectives and initiatives, legal issues, and implementation of policy. Provides authoritative and expert advice and information on matters to other staff and managerial personnel both within the EB field and in the industry.

This position is critical sensitive and a Top Secret clearance is required for this position so that the incumbent is granted access to classified material and classified intelligence data that is relevant information to the responsibilities assigned to this position. The position oversees, develops and implements National Security issues, programs and policies at the regional level. In addition, the incumbent manages the following: providing support to other governmental units, investigating all non-government communications matters and issuing sanctions. The incumbent works closely with the United States Attorney's Office and DOJ in assisting with on-going cases. Activities often involve National Security operations (including military) and international operations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Bar Membership and Education Required.
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• US Citizenship.
• Must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
• Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
• Security Clearance Required
• Drug Testing Required.
• Education-Transcripts Required

As required by Executive Order 14043 , Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions. Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement in order to be considered for this position. Candidates must have held the next lower grade or have equivalent education and/or experience in the normal line of progression for this position for a least one year.

General Experience: None
Selective Factor: NoneProfessional law experience: Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience in or equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.

In order to be deemed as qualified, candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the specialized experience as outlined below.

A. Education

You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M.

NOTE-Must submit an unofficial or official transcript. Application will be rated as ineligible if transcripts are not submitted.

AND

B. Specialized Experience

For GS-14: Applicants must possess at least three years of professional law experience and at least one year must be equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Conducts legal research and provides proper interpretation of communications laws, Commission regulations, and policy.

Analyzes legal issues, identifies potential options, and proposes solutions.

Researches, drafts, and edits decision documents, memoranda, and policy-related documents.

Makes oral presentations, communicates research results, and defends legal positions.

For GS-15: Applicants must possess at least four years of professional law experience and at least one year must be equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

Working on highly complex rule making, policy or legal proceedings;

Reviewing and editing policy statements, position papers, legal briefs, memoranda or other decision documents;

Representing an organization or client and communicating its policy and/or legal position, and

Providing expert advice on complex legal and/or policy matters.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

See information outlined above.

Additional information

EEO Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

Veterans Information

Legal and Regulatory Guidance