About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located within U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of General Counsel, the incumbent serves as Deputy Assistant General Counsel that assist with the supervision and management of the Natural Resources and Environment Division under the direct supervision of the Assistant General Counsel. The Natural Resources and Environment Division provides legal services to the headquarters offices of the USDA agencies administering programs assigned to the office.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions: Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent degree) (Law School transcript required), and Currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong employment and academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the basic requirements, the following additional experience is required. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Applicants should have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible litigation experience including serving as lead or first-chair litigation counsel with demonstrated responsibility for directing case strategy, representing a client in federal court, and managing all phases of litigation, preferably in natural resource cases. Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong employment and academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume. GS-15: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the (GS-14) level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies to successfully perform as a Supervisory General Attorney. Examples of such experience include: Ability to plan and assign priorities to tasks and assignments to further develop knowledge of complex subject-matter areas. Works independently to determine methodologies, milestones, goals, and termination points for most assignments. Completes assignments with an understanding of management requirements and meets organizational objectives. NOTE: This experience must be demonstrated on your resume/supporting documents. 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 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 DutiesServes as Deputy Assistant General Counsel providing authoritative legal advice and litigation support on complex, high-impact matters involving the U.S. Forest Service and other USDA agencies.Provides legal advice on natural resource laws, including the National Environment Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedure Act and other relevant statutes related to program areas.Develops and advises on litigation strategy for complex natural resources and conversation cases by coordinating closely with the Department of Justice.Develops and coordinates appeal recommendations and appellate strategy on natural resources matters within the Department, including recommendations for amicus participation in federal appellate and district courts.Assists in the management of the team of attorneys in the Natural Resources and Environment Division and aids in the coordination of natural resources law matters nationwide.Provides expert legal counsel on administrative law and statutory interpretation.Provides guidance, mentoring, training, and technical legal expertise to OGC and client agencies.Exercises substantial independent judgment on matters of national importance with minimal supervision.