Attorney Adviser

Environmental Protection Agency•Lenexa, KS

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in Region 7, Office of Regional Counsel, Superfund Branch, and is office-centered, requiring regular physical attendance at the duty station stated in the announcement. At the highest advertised grade, the Attorney Adviser provides legal advice, conducts legal research, prepares legal documentation, develops policy recommendations, performs litigation activities, and drafts Agency determinations, proposed regulations, and Federal Register notices. At a lower grade, work is less complex and receives more supervisory oversight; duties may become more complex and independent as the employee progresses. Career-ladder promotions are not automatic and require meeting all applicable eligibility and qualification requirements. The Office of Regional Counsel provides legal advice and services to the Regional office concerning implementation, application, and enforcement of federal statutes, regulations, policy, and guidance. It represents the Region in civil administrative and judicial litigation and represents the Regional Administrator and Region in relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies. The office also reviews delegation of federal programs and federal authorization of state programs, and provides other legal advice and services supporting the Agency's mission. The position requires a J.D. or LL.M. from an accredited or pre-accredited institution, or equivalent apprentice experience allowed by state law, and admission, licensure, and active good-standing membership in a U.S. jurisdiction's bar by the time of entry on duty. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The position is designated High Risk and requires a background investigation. A selected candidate may be required to complete a trial period and must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of starting and annually thereafter. Situational telework may be approved if eligibility requirements are met, but EPA policy does not allow routine full-time telework for this position.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
A J.D. or LL.M. degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university, or equivalent apprentice experience as allowed under state law.
Duly licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and an active bar membership in good standing; bar admission and licensure must be obtained before entry on duty.
GS-11 qualification: an LL.M.; or at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving legal research and analysis, drafting substantive legal documents, and delivering recommendations to decision-makers; or qualifying superior law student activities while earning a J.D.
GS-12 qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 independently managing complex civil or administrative enforcement and counseling matters; leading substantive legal work products with minimal revision; negotiating and resolving disputed matters for a region; and providing risk-informed advice to program officials.
Ability in critical thinking, attention to detail, written communication, strategic thinking, and oral communication.
Problem-solving competency is assessed at GS-11; interpersonal-skills competency is assessed at GS-12.
Meet all qualification and education requirements by the announcement's closing date.
Self-certify annually and in writing that the employee holds an active bar membership.
Complete the required background investigation and pre-employment security process; use REAL ID-compliant identification or an accepted alternative document if needed during onboarding.
Complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of the first day of employment and annually thereafter.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and perform legal research.
Prepare legal documentation and provide policy recommendations.
Perform litigation activities.
Draft Agency determinations, proposed regulations, and Federal Register notices.
At the GS-12 level, independently manage complex civil or administrative enforcement and counseling matters; lead and coordinate substantive legal work products; negotiate and resolve disputed matters on behalf of the Region; and provide clear, risk-informed legal advice to program officials.