About this role
Job SummaryAs part of its challenging, multi-faceted mission, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) is responsible for (a) registering attorneys and agents to practice patent law before the USPTO, (b) developing and administering the patent registration exam, (c) investigating allegations of misconduct by practitioners, (d) overseeing USPTO programs, (e) supporting Patents and Trademarks business units regarding anti-fraud initiatives, (f) federal administrative rulemaking, and (g) outreach.
QualificationsYou must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at OPM.GOV. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. The next lower grade level is GS-11. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience preparing and drafting a variety of legal documents and correspondence; Experience conducting legal research and analyzing, interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and Experience reviewing and evaluating incoming legal documents and communications to determine appropriate action. 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.
Major DutiesThe physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year. This position is designated as an in-person position; however, if applicable, the selectee may remain on their current telework agreement. This role is the ideal next career step for you if: If you enjoy preparing draft decisions, opinions and legal memoranda, which include summaries of factual and evidentiary information. You look forward to serving as a primary contact within the Office of Enrollment and Discipline for inquiries received from members of the public, attorneys, agents, inventors, and other agencies. If you have a passion for conducting legal research utilizing legal databases such as WESTLAW, PACER, PALM, and other online sources to obtain information and materials requested by/for attorneys. If you are eager to maintain dockets of pending complaints, investigations and disciplinary and enrollment files, including files and records of all correspondence and relevant documents.