Duties

The attorney will review and become familiar with legal processes, statues, regulations and other requirements that have a bearing on the activities of DOE. In particular, the attorney should have, or be prepared to develop, expertise in the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Department of Energy Organization Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The attorney will become familiar with procedures and policies that affect the assignment area; conduct research of laws, legal opinions, policies, procedures, regulations, legal texts, technical manuals, and other publications and precedential cases bearing on the assignment; analyze factual and legal issues, and determine what further facts are needed and what sources are applicable; study policies, procedures, and operation of relevant federal, state, and local government agencies to advise on compliance; consult with operating officials, attorneys, and other concerned parties to provide advice and assistance and to draft legal documents; examine program material, including lengthy environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, for legal soundness and accuracy; exercise independence in research and writing but also in communicating with attorneys, clients, and persons outside DOE in cooperative and adversarial matters.

The attorney will provide legal guidance in response to inquires from other DOE offices and respond to inquiries from outside DOE; prepare memoranda, exhibits, and reports outlining and analyzing the facts and legal issues, explaining the application of legal principles and precedents, and justifying recommendations and conclusions.

The attorney will take positions on issues and present recommendations orally and in memoranda to the supervisor, and upon request, to other interested officials. These recommendations may be utilized by more experienced attorneys in making final recommendations and decisions.

The attorney will prepare necessary legal documents and advisory opinions.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Grade level GS13 and above required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential
• This position is included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• Your resume and supplemental documentation must be submitted via email to the address provided in the section "How to Apply".
• Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position
• If selected, you must self-identify if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee as OPM approval is required prior to finalizing your selection.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
All candidates must meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

QUALIFICATIONS:

GS-11: Must have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform legal work. The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

GS-12: Must have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work. The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

GS-13: Must have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work and one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled.

GS-14: Must have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and three years of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work, plus one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled.

GS-15: Must have a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and four years of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work, plus one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled.

Specialized Experience Requested by Management:

Experience as an attorney providing counsel, advice, analysis, interpretations, and opinions on extremely complex legal issues arising from, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, and the Department of Energy Organization Act.

Education

Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. Transcripts must be provided with application package.

Additional information

• The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
• Telework will be determined by Agency Policy and the needs of the Supervisor/Program Office.
• For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
• Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.