Attorney Advisor

This position is located within the Office of the General Counsel of the Department of General Services (OGC‑DGS). OGC‑DGS is responsible for providing legal counsel to the Department of General Services (DGS). DGS’ mission is to build, maintain, and sustain the District of Columbia’s real estate portfolio, which includes more than 157 million square feet of land and 35.7 million square feet of state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Washington, DC. To achieve its mission, DGS coordinates its following six divisions as needed: Sustainability and Energy Division, Capital Construction Division, Contracts and Procurement Division, Facilities Management Division, Protective Services Division, and Portfolio Management Division. The Public Facilities Environmental Safety Amendment Act of 2020 establishes environmental testing and reporting requirements for public buildings, playground surface materials, and environmental hazards at construction projects at District‑owned sites. The law requires DGS to establish threshold levels and assess public sites for environmental risks, and to evaluate each site every ten years. It also mandates environmental assessments of any public site undergoing demolition, construction, excavation, or substantial renovation. If a potential hazard is identified, DGS must conduct testing, publish results within ten business days, and if thresholds are exceeded isolate the area and provide public notice. Within 20 days DGS must coordinate with relevant agencies to hold a public meeting on the results, and repeat testing until conditions no longer exceed established thresholds. DGS must publish an annual report describing each publicly owned site that has undergone significant renovation and detail the hazards and remediation that have occurred. DGS must conduct lead testing every three years on all public playground surfaces composed of synthetic materials. If lead levels exceed thresholds, DGS must close the playground within 24 hours, refrain from reopening until remediation and a subsequent test confirm levels are below thresholds, publish notice within ten business days, and post signage explaining the closure and remediation plan. The Zero Waste Omnibus Act of 2019 requires the preparation of a plan for comprehensive organics site management and recycling infrastructure. It imposes a uniform recycling labeling scheme, requires waste collectors to address contamination, and imposes a surcharge on recycling disposed of at District transfer stations when contamination exceeds a threshold. The Act establishes standards for compostable disposable food‑service ware, requiring reusable alternatives for food service, and creates a reuse and donation program to reduce landfill and incinerator waste. Grants are available to reduce disposable food‑service usage and support food‑waste programs, and to encourage shared dining tables at public and public charter schools. DGS must ensure that District agencies comply with District waste‑management and source‑separation practices, acquire new receptacles for District‑owned facilities, and train personnel to meet requirements. The act also mandates that DPW develop an Organics Management Plan, and DGS is likely to implement a composting program as part of this plan. Duties and Responsibilities Provide expert legal advice and conduct extensive reviews of legal documents; draft letters, memoranda, and recommendations. Consult with management and supervisors on legal matters affecting the organization, clarifying policies, statutes, and legislation. Review and evaluate existing statutes and regulations to identify needs for new regulations, amendments, or new administrative and enforcement procedures; recommend changes and draft new legislation or amendments as needed. Review cases and documents to ensure support of the legal position; represent the agency in hearings and prepare documentation for cases; assist the Office and/or the Office of the Attorney General with litigation. Qualifications and Education Possess an LLB or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA‑accredited law school at time of appointment. Have at least two (2) years of post‑J.D. professional legal experience. Licenses and Certifications Be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive and be admitted within 360 days of appointment; maintain membership in good standing during employment. Working Conditions / Environment Work performed in an office setting. Other Significant Factors Tour of Duty: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-13 Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential. Duration of Appointment: Legal Service Permanent Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): AFGE 1403; may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deduction. Emergency Designation: Designated as Emergency; required to report, stay at work, or telecommute during declared emergencies or when duties are deemed critical. Position Designation: Security‑sensitive under the DC Personnel Manual guidelines; subject to enhanced suitability screening, including criminal background and consumer credit checks, and periodic re‑checks during tenure. Residency Preference: Requires bona fide District residency for seven consecutive years from the effective date of employment; documentation must be provided; failure to maintain residency results in forfeiture of employment. EEO Statement The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, stalking, military service, or other non‑merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr DC Government