Assistant Section Chief

Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) Hiring Office: Natural Resources Section Attorney Appointment Type: Attorney Permanent Job ID: ENRD-26-028-EXC Location: 150 M Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States About the Office The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes. We are seeking an Assistant Section Chief in Washington, DC or Denver for one of our six litigating teams. Job Description Much of our work involves challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act or the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. NRS has a dynamic practice with a diverse docket and attorneys may choose to focus on brief writing or trial practice or both. On any given day, the Section's attorneys handle a vast portfolio of cases involving: The stewardship of national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources. The balanced use of federal natural resources for varied uses, including mineral extraction, conservation, preservation, recreation, and commercial uses. Vital federal programs ranging from national energy policy to nuclear materials management to military preparedness. Original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes in the western part of the country. Real property claims under the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment, involving issues such as military readiness, transportation infrastructure, and flood control. The United States' trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes. The Assistant Section Chief will supervise a team of attorneys with primary responsibility for litigating a wide variety of cases before the Court of Federal Claims and federal district courts, including defense of federal agencies in Fifth Amendment takings litigation and related natural resource and cultural resource statutes. Responsibilities Supervise a team of attorneys, allocate cases and manage multiple assignments; produce high‑quality work under tight time frames; mentor and manage attorneys and administrative staff; develop the writing skills of supervisees; maintain productive relationships with client agencies, court personnel, and opposing counsel; build relationships with managers and attorneys in the Natural Resources Section and other DOJ components; deliver excellent legal counsel in complex litigation. Qualifications Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction, and have at least 7 years post‑J.D. litigation experience or equivalent. Experience with the Administrative Procedure Act or related statutes is required. Desired qualifications include significant federal litigation experience, ability to manage multiple assignments, exceptional legal writing and editing skills, and a strong commitment to professional standards. Experience with Fifth Amendment takings litigation or defense of federal agency actions under the APA is desired. Benefits / Compensation Possible salary range for Washington, D.C.: GS‑15 ($169,279 – $197,200) Possible salary range for Denver: GS‑15 ($164,956 – $197,200) Travel: 25% or less — may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses: Not authorized. Number of Positions One #J-18808-Ljbffr