• Job Description

  Req#: 796017600
  This position is located in any OGC office location.
  
  For a list of all the OGC office locations please see: OGC Office Locations.
  
  The incumbent serves as an attorney providing legal advice, research, analysis and interpretation of federal, state and local laws, as well as oral and written opinions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs and legal support of all USDA programs and litigation, and performs other legal services as assigned.
  
  Duties
  
  
  • Provide legal advice and counsel to agencies of the USDA on administrative law and natural resources law, with regard to mineral laws, such as the 1872 Mining Law, Mineral Leasing Act, and other laws governing mineral resources on federal lands.
  • Serve as liaison between agencies of the USDA, Office of the General Counsel field offices, counsel for other U.S. Agencies, and the Department of Justice in litigation concerning administration of mineral resources on federal lands.
  • Represent agencies of the USDA in formal administrative adjudication.
  • Conduct legal research on issues relating to uses of National Forest System (NFS) lands and development of mineral resources on NFS lands.
  • Draft and review legal documents, including NEPA analyses related to proposed mine plans, regulations, directives, proposed legislation, consent decrees, briefs, deeds, contracts, loan documentation, legal opinions, and agency documents.
  • Provide advice and counsel on Forest Service programs, regulations, directives, and policy relating to mineral and energy resources on NFS lands, in addition to related National Environmental Policy Act, and National Forest Management Act.
  • Conduct research on related National Environmental Policy Act, National Forest Management Act, and Endangered Species Act questions.
  
  
  Requirements
  
  
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
  • Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
  • Must submit Cover Letter, Resume, Proof of Bar Membership, Law School Transcripts, Written Narrative, and a Writing Sample.
  • Review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory.
  • Requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation.
  • Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
  • Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Obtain and use a Government issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • May be subject to satisfactory completion of a two year probationary or trial period, unless previously served.
  
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions:
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. or equivalent degree) (Law School transcript required); AND
  • Currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
  Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume.
  
  GS-14: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the (GS-13) level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Attorney Advisor. Examples of such experience include: Ability to plan and assign priorities to tasks and assignments to further develop knowledge of complex assignments. Works independently to determine methodologies, milestones, goals, and termination points for most assignments. Completes assignments to management requirements with satisfaction of organizational objectives.
  
  The duties listed below are described at the FPL GS-14, the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 are developmental leading to such performance.
  • Mastery of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise to provide expert legal advice in regard to the assigned program area, develop or recommend litigation strategies and procedures, aid the Department of Justice in the trial of important or precedent-setting cases, and negotiate or participate in negotiating settlements on behalf of the Department
  • Mastery of a large and complex body of law in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent to make determinations and reach conclusions which guide the Department or the Agency in resolving subsequent, similar problems; provide legal advice to
    heads of programs and Agencies on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and write opinions and case assessment memoranda after conducting detailed factual and legal research
  • Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice in order to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, litigation reports, and related documents in connection with suits by and against the Government and determine in each case the nature of action or defense, the legal issues involved, the most effective course of action, and optimal strategies and tactics to be employed.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of missions and functions of the USDA and its agencies or relevant subject matter expertise, as appropriate in order to provide legal services in support of USDA programs and activities that are consistent with the strategic goals of USDA and the priorities of the Secretary of Agriculture.
  • Mastery of the principles and techniques of written and oral communication to speak and write with clarity and tact to provide guidance on complex legal issues, secure acceptance of recommendations, prepare complex legal opinions, and effectively represent the Department in a variety of external interactions.
  NOTE: This experience must be demonstrated on your resume/supporting documents.

• About the company

  The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the Agriculture Department, is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promotes agricultural trade and production, works to assure food safety, protects natural resources, fosters rural communities and works to end hunger in the United States and internationally.

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