About this role
Job SummaryThis position is in Region 2, Office of Regional Counsel, Waste & Toxic Substances Branch. About Region 2: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-2 This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.
QualificationsNOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement. In addition to the educational requirements, you must meet the minimum grade-specific qualifications as described below: To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level defined as managing and/or coordinating enforcement and/or defensive litigation; performing legal analysis and research on issues to formulate recommendations for senior managers; and providing legal representation in negotiations, administrative proceedings, civil actions, and/or judicial proceedings. 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. *If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.
Major DutiesYou will: Manage, coordinate, develop, and direct activities of legal and professional staff to ensure consistent application of the Region's enforcement and counseling activities under federal environmental statutes and regulations within the branch's area of responsibility. Research or direct staff research of legal questions relating to statutes, regulations, caselaw, policy and guidance for enforcement in administrative or judicial actions or counseling matters to ensure consistency within the Region and the Agency. Provide legal advice and policy recommendations on enforcement and counseling to management, technical program staff and management or branch staff on significant legal theories and strategies to ensure consistent application of law, statute, regulation, and guidance. Draft, assist in preparation of or review major legal correspondence, briefing packages, notices, information requests, and other enforcement or permitting documents for sufficiency and consistency with agency positions, policy and guidance. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.Requirements#LI-DNI You must self-certify annually and in writing that you hold an active bar membership. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a trial period (two years if you are not a preference eligible; one year if you are a preference eligible). This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date. If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.