Trial Attorney - Natural Resources Section

Overview

The Natural Resources Section is one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. It represents 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.

Cut-Off Dates

The first cut‑off date for referral of applicants will be May 14, 2026. The second cut‑off date will be the closing date of June 4, 2026.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of post‑J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS‑12 grade level.
• At least 1.5 years of post‑J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS‑13 grade level.
• At least 2.5 years of post‑J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS‑14 grade level.
• At least 4 years of post‑J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS‑15 grade level.
• J.D. degree, active membership in good standing of the bar (any jurisdiction), and U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• Strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background.
• Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Fifth Amendment takings, natural resource law, or Indian law is a plus but not a requirement.
• Demonstrated superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Salary Range

Washington, DC:

• GS‑12 ($102,415 - $133,142)
• GS‑13 ($121,785 - $158,322)
• GS‑14 ($143,913 - $187,093)
• GS‑15 ($169,279 - $197,200)

Denver, CO:

• GS‑12 ($99,800 - $129,742)
• GS‑13 ($118,675 - $154,280)
• GS‑14 ($140,239 - $182,316)
• GS‑15 ($164,956 - $197,200)

Application Requirements

YOUR RESUMÉ MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held, or that the position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part‑time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.