About the Position: Serves as Senior Assistant District Counsel to the Office of Counsel for Buffalo District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the environmental law subject matter expert for the office, the Senior Assistant has primary responsible for advising the District and its Leadership on legal, regulatory, and policy matters related to the administration of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) and the Regulatory Program.

Duties

Reviews decision documents and proposed action for submission to Division and HQ USACE and provides expert advisory assistance as requested. Provides expert assistance on extremely complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues related to environmental compliance or restoration projects. Supports the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. Manages litigation of Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) actions as the Senior Environmental Attorney. Legal advice, comments, and recommendations are normally accepted by the decision maker without further review or change. Participates in negotiations on new, complex and difficult legal questions, which require unique solutions to balance competing interests. Cases often involve very large sums of money, with opposition handled by nationally recognized legal counsel. Performs legal research involving federal and state statutes, and judicial and quasi-judicial decisions. Receives requests directly for oral or written opinions, particularly in matters affecting policy such as in large civil works projects. Directly advises District Engineer, District Counsel, department heads, and District personnel as to requirements of environmental legislation and regulations. Renders advice on major environmental and regulatory litigation. Attends meetings as a District representative with state environmental agencies. Researches federal and state environmental laws and submits legal opinions as to applicability to Corps activities. Interprets laws and regulations concerning the Corps regulatory permit program under the Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Prepares, as well as reviews, correspondence with members of Congress, federal and state agencies, and individual citizens involved in the regulatory permit programs. Reviews for compliance with laws and regulations, contracts and agreements for water supply, recreation, and other water resource management programs to comply with federal laws and regulations. Performs legal research in the field of natural resources law in particular, the area of navigability. Advises District Engineer, District Counsel, and department heads concerning laws and regulation applicable to the operation of the main stem dams. Drafts affidavits, motions, pleadings, interrogatories, etc. Compiles litigation reports. Studies records applicable to the case and any previous claims. Locates and interviews witnesses; develops concise summaries of their testimony. Assembles exhibits writes complete reports of facts pertinent to the controversy with comments, recommendations and legal analysis of possible counterclaims. Assists supervisor in coordinating District response in defense of environmental lawsuits.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
• This position requires a Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Qualifications: Education: In order to qualify for this position, you must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), and have the first professional law degree (L.L.B) or J.D. Bar Membership: Applicant must 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. In addition to Basic Qualifications, the following experience is required to qualify for the GS-14 level: Experience: Two (2) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar; commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of this position. Examples of this experience are: (1) Providing legal advice and representation related to federal environmental laws, regulations and policies, (2) Providing legal advice and representation related to the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and/or other related environmental laws, regulation and policies, (3) Providing legal advice and statutory interpretation regarding problems related to federal civil works programs, fiscal law, limited real estate law and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), (4) Advising decision makers in all aspects of federal remediation laws, regulations and policies related to federal acquisitions, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, Solid Waste Act, and/or other related environmental law, (5) Identifying, researching, evaluating and analyzing facts and complex legal issues, including administrative laws, (6) Formulating legal alternative courses of action to meet the needs of clients, (7) Explaining legal principles and the risks concerning alternative courses of action to decision makers, both independently and on a team to advise and advocate for the client and (8) Representing clients before administrative and judicial tribunals. Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-13). You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Legal, Government and Jurisprudence

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address RE-W2SM05 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-BUFFALO DO NOT MAIL Buffalo, NY 14207 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk