FOIA Analyst - Federal Legal Support

Job Description

About the Role

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Rikka Law Group is seeking an experienced FOIA Analyst to support the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a component of the U.S. Department of Transportation, in Washington, DC.

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The FOIA Analyst will support the FRA Office of the Chief Counsel and assist with managing and reducing the agency's FOIA backlog. This position requires hands-on experience with the full FOIA processing lifecycle, including intake, tracking, responsiveness review, exemptions, electronic redaction, response letters, and reporting.

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This is not an entry-level position. A minimum of 3 years of specialized FOIA processing experience is required.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Manage the agency FOIA inbox
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• Review incoming FOIA requests and identify non-perfected requests
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• Log and track FOIA requests and appeals in the agency tracking system
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• Communicate with requesters, program office staff, and record holders
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• Send follow-ups and reminders to program offices regarding outstanding records
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• Work with agency staff to gather potentially responsive documents
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• Review records to determine whether they are responsive, non-responsive, and complete
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• Ensure returned records are responsive and avoid inappropriate "data dumps"
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• Determine whether FOIA exemptions apply
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• Apply appropriate FOIA exemptions to federal records
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• Electronically redact exempt and sensitive information
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• Upload records and maintain accurate information in the FOIA tracking system
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• Use FOIAXpress or similar FOIA tracking software
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• Draft legally and grammatically accurate FOIA response letters
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• Assist with FOIA appeals and related tracking
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• Prepare FOIA status reports and support weekly/monthly reporting
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• Help manage and reduce a high-volume FOIA backlog
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• Participate in meetings and conference calls as needed
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These responsibilities are directly reflected in the FRA PWS.

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Required Qualifications

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• Minimum 3 years of specialized FOIA processing experience
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• In-depth working knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act
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• Strong knowledge and hands-on application of FOIA exemptions
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• Experience reviewing records to determine responsiveness
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• Experience distinguishing responsive from non-responsive records
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• Experience identifying non-perfected FOIA requests
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• Professional experience using FOIAXpress or similar FOIA tracking/case-management software
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• Professional experience using electronic document redaction software
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• Experience processing and redacting sensitive or exempt federal records
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• Demonstrated experience managing high-volume FOIA workloads or backlogs
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• Experience drafting professional FOIA response letters and correspondence
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• Strong written communication and attention to detail
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• Ability to manage multiple requests and deadlines accurately
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• Ability to communicate professionally with requesters, attorneys, program offices, and record holders
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The PWS specifically requires 3+ years of specialized FOIA processing experience, in-depth knowledge of exemptions, redaction software and FOIA platforms, and demonstrated high-volume backlog experience.

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Preferred Qualifications:

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• Prior federal agency FOIA experience
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• Prior Department of Transportation or FRA FOIA experience
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• Familiarity with DOT FOIA regulations, including 49 CFR Part 7
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• Experience with FOIAXpress
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• Experience with EverLaw, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Relativity, or similar document review/redaction tools
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• Experience managing large or complex federal FOIA caseloads
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• Experience preparing FOIA status, weekly, and monthly reports
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• Experience communicating directly with FOIA requesters and federal program offices
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Security & Eligibility Requirements

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• Must meet applicable U.S. work authorization and federal contract eligibility requirements
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• Must be able to complete the required federal background/security process
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• Must be able to obtain any required DOT/FRA credential or PIV card
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• Must be prepared to start promptly once required clearance and onboarding are completed
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Work Requirements

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• Full-time position
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• Monday–Friday schedule
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• Approximately 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
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• On-site in Washington, DC, 20590
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• Candidate must be able to reliably commute to the worksite
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Salary: $30/hr.

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