Attorney-Advisor (General)

National Nuclear Security Administration • Schenectady, NY

13d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office (NRLFO), Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). It is covered by the NNSA Demonstration Project; the NQ-03 pay band is equivalent to GS-13/14.

The Attorney-Advisor provides legal advice and counsel to NRLFO and DOE/NNSA officials and employees on a broad range of matters, including contracts and procurement, appropriations, ethics, personnel, labor relations, equal employment opportunity, security, taxation, and Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act matters. The position advises leadership on the legal implications of proposed actions, identifies risks, and recommends alternatives to avoid or minimize legal difficulties.

The role interprets and applies statutes, Executive Orders, regulations, DOE/NNSA policies and directives, legal opinions, Comptroller General decisions, and administrative decisions. It reviews, prepares, and negotiates contracts, agreements, legal instruments, memoranda of law, legal opinions, regulations, management directives, correspondence, pleadings, and briefs to ensure legal sufficiency and consistency with DOE/NNSA policy.

The position also conducts legal research and factual analysis on nuclear and non-nuclear environmental requirements, toxic torts, health and safety, civil rights, security, litigation, and other matters associated with defense, research, development, and production operations. Litigation and interagency coordination duties include preparing pleadings and briefs, supporting witness examinations and oral arguments, representing the agency in discussions with federal, state, local, program, site office, and contractor stakeholders, and coordinating significant issues with NNSA policies General Counsel. This position does not support 100% remote work; the employee must report physically to the official worksite, with situational telework potentially available.

Requirements

• J.D., LL.B., or equivalent law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia; applicants must submit proof of the degree and bar membership.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to NQ-02 or GS-12 in the Federal service, including all of the following: legal advice and support on diverse business-discipline matters involving finance, contracting, and engineering; advice on specified matters such as contracts and procurement, appropriations, FOIA and Privacy Act, taxation, personnel security, ethics, personnel, employment, or labor relations; and addressing nuclear and non-nuclear environmental laws and regulations, toxic tort, health and safety issues, and litigation related to these practice areas.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Obtain and maintain an interim and/or final DOE Q-level security clearance before entering on duty.
• Successfully complete a pre-employment drug test; the position is subject to random testing.
• Submit an OGE-450 financial disclosure statement upon entering the position and annually.
• Comply with HSPD-12 identity requirements and provide two forms of identification.
• Resume must not exceed two pages.
• Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.
• Veterans' preference eligibility is considered a positive factor in the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to NRLFO and DOE/NNSA officials and employees on contracts and procurement, appropriations, ethics, personnel, labor relations, equal employment opportunity, security, taxation, and FOIA/Privacy Act matters.
• Advise leadership on legal implications and consequences of proposed actions, identify legal risks, and recommend alternatives to avoid or minimize legal difficulties.
• Interpret and apply statutes, Executive Orders, regulations, DOE/NNSA policies and directives, legal opinions, Comptroller General decisions, and administrative decisions.
• Review, prepare, and negotiate contracts, agreements, legal instruments, memoranda of law, legal opinions, regulations, management directives, correspondence, pleadings, and briefs.
• Conduct legal research and factual analysis involving environmental requirements, toxic torts, health and safety, civil rights, security, litigation, and issues associated with defense, research, development, and production operations.
• Perform litigation-related and interagency coordination, including preparing pleadings and briefs and supporting witness examinations and oral arguments.
• Represent the agency in discussions with federal, state, local, program, site office, and contractor stakeholders.
• Coordinate significant issues with NNSA policies General Counsel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree