FOIA Analyst - Federal Legal Support (Washington)

About the Role

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.

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.

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

Key Responsibilities

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

These responsibilities are directly reflected in the FRA PWS.

Required Qualifications

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Security & Eligibility Requirements

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

Work Requirements

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

Salary: $30/hr.