TRIAL ATTORNEY

The Environmental Defense Section ("EDS" or "Section") represents the United States in complex civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.Help Help Accepting applications Open & closing datesOpening and closing dates11/10/2021 to 11/30/2021Salary$122,530 - $172,500 per year Pay scale & gradeGS 14 - 15Help Help Location2 vacancies in the following location:Washington, DC Washington, DC Telework eligible Yes—as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment typePermanentWork scheduleFull-timeServiceExceptedPromotion potential 15 Job family (Series) 0905 Attorney Supervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceOtherDrug testYes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR) Trust determination process CredentialingSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberENRD-22-004-EXCControl number621643300Help Help The Environmental Defense Section ("EDS" or "Section") represents the United States in complex civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. EDS offers one of the Department's most diverse dockets. It is one of the only DOJ components whose attorneys routinely handle cases in the federal courts of appeals and district courts, as well as both affirmative and defensive litigation. EDS defends petitions for review brought in the courts of appeals pursuant to special statutory judicial review provisions of the environmental statutes, as well as claims for judicial review brought in district courts pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The substance of these cases ranges, for example, from complex, multi-party challenges to major national EPA rules (such as Clean Air Act rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions and rules defining the scope of "waters of the United States" subject to federal regulation under the Clean Water Act) to more site-specific wetlands permit decisions made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. EDS also handles complex claims of liability against federal agencies under the pollution control laws, such as for costs of response actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities and private sites. The Section also brings affirmative civil enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act against those who fill wetlands and other regulated waters. Section attorneys are responsible for all aspects of complex litigation. This includes pre-trial tasks up to and through trial, such as preparation and filing of dispositive motions, drafting merits briefs, written and document discovery, taking and defending expert and fact witness depositions, presenting oral argument in court, handling witnesses at trial and other evidentiary hearings, and negotiating settlements. Cases range from simpler matters typically handled by a single attorney, to more complex matters typically handled by a small litigation team. EDS cases present attorneys with the opportunity to regularly appear and argue cases in the district courts and courts of appeals, and to periodically try cases or handle other evidentiary proceedings. EDS attorneys also frequently provide counsel to our client agencies and other DOJ components on litigation, environmental and administrative law issues related to our work. For more information about the Environmental Defense Section, visit / Help Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. citizen or national.You must complete a background investigation to include pre-employment drug testing.Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.You are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. QualificationsThe Section's docket is demanding and requires top caliber work product. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of outstanding legal writing, complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. The ideal candidate should possess an excellent academic record and strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills. The ideal candidate should possess an excellent academic record and strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills. The ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive understanding of federal civil procedure, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Prior environmental law experience is desirable but not required. Specific grade level requirements:At least 4 years of post J.D. relevant civil/environmental litigation experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.At least 5 years of post J.D. relevant civil/environmental litigation experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:GS-14 ($122,530 - $159,286)GS-15 ($144,128 - $172,500)Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.EducationAll academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Additional informationVeterans Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veteran preference (VP), you should indicate the type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your resume. In order To determine your eligibility, you can find additional information at: . To verify your veteran preference entitlement, submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214; official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes to View email address on click.appcast.io, and reference "Federal Career Opportunities" in the subject line. Additional information is found at: Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: .Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Benefits: DOJ offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Please review the link below for an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.Please Note: Additional candidates may be selected if more positions become available in the Division within 90 days after the announcement closes.Read moreHelp Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience you report relative to this position.Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more). Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.Resumé demonstrating relevant experience and month/year employment dates the experience was obtainedCover letter highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing (no more than 2 pages)Short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages)OF-306, Declaration of Employment (signed on line 17a)Law school transcript showing proof of J.D. or higherDD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation, as applicable. Your resumé MUST include full employment information such as periods of employment with month/year started and ended, title of position(s), FT or PT hours worked, and description of duties. If you have Federal employment, you must list the grade of the position(s). Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume: Classified or government sensitive informationSocial Security Number (SSN)Photos of yourselfPersonal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.Encrypted and digitally signed documentsApplicants must email the (1) resumé; (2) cover letter of not more than two pages highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing experience and any other factors that you believe would be a good fit for EDS' litigation practice; (3) short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages); (4) OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment - ; (5) law school transcript; and (6) DD-214 (if applicable) to:View email address on click.appcast.io Line: ENRD-22-004-EXCNo telephone calls, please. You must submit your application so that it will be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021, or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement. Due to COVID-19, if selected, you may be expected to telework for an undefined period under the Department's evacuation authority, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Employees in this status may be notified of a requirement to report in person to the component workplace with an advance notice of not less than 30 days. Prior to a requirement to report to the workplace, employees may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the component's telework policy.Next steps Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome. Help Help Resumé demonstrating relevant experience and month/year employment dates the experience was obtainedCover letter highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing (no more than 2 pages)Short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages)OF-306, Declaration of Employment (signed on line 17a)Law school transcript showing proof of J.D. or higherDD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation, as applicable. Your resumé MUST include full employment information such as periods of employment with month/year started and ended, title of position(s), FT or PT hours worked, and description of duties. If you have Federal employment, you must list the grade of the position(s). Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume: Classified or government sensitive informationSocial Security Number (SSN)Photos of yourselfPersonal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.Encrypted and digitally signed documentsHelp Help Applicants must email the (1) resumé; (2) cover letter of not more than two pages highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing experience and any other factors that you believe would be a good fit for EDS' litigation practice; (3) short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages); (4) OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment - ; (5) law school transcript; and (6) DD-214 (if applicable) to:View email address on click.appcast.io Line: ENRD-22-004-EXCNo telephone calls, please. You must submit your application so that it will be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021, or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement. Due to COVID-19, if selected, you may be expected to telework for an undefined period under the Department's evacuation authority, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Employees in this status may be notified of a requirement to report in person to the component workplace with an advance notice of not less than 30 days. Prior to a requirement to report to the workplace, employees may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the component's telework policy.Read moreNext steps Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 80 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome. Read moreHelp Help Accepting applications Open & closing datesOpening and closing dates11/10/2021 to 11/30/2021Salary$122,530 - $172,500 per year Pay scale & gradeGS 14 - 15Location2 vacancies in the following location:Washington, DC Washington, DC Telework eligible Yes—as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment typePermanentWork scheduleFull-timeServiceExceptedPromotion potential 15 Job family (Series) 0905 Attorney Supervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceOtherDrug testYes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR) Trust determination process CredentialingSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberENRD-22-004-EXCControl number621643300 This job originated on . For the full announcement and to apply, visit . Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at will be considered.