A component of ENRD, the Environmental Defense Section ("EDS" or "Section") represents the United States in complex and diverse civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

Duties

This vacancy is for 1 or more positions. Routine and ad hoc telework options are available in accordance with agency policy, which is subject to change. The duty location is Washington, DC. This is not a remote position. As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. ENRD is the nation's largest and most experienced environmental law firm and is often ranked among the federal government's best places to work. EDS offers one of ENRD's and the Department's most diverse dockets. It is one of the only DOJ components whose attorneys routinely handle cases in the federal courts of appeals and district courts, as well as both affirmative and defensive litigation. EDS defends petitions for review brought in the courts of appeals pursuant to special statutory judicial review provisions of the environmental statutes, as well as claims for judicial review brought in district courts pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The substance of these cases ranges, for example, from high-profile, multi-party challenges to major national EPA rules (such as Clean Air Act rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions and rules defining the scope of "waters of the United States" subject to federal regulation under the Clean Water Act) to more site-specific wetlands permit decisions made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. EDS also handles complex claims of liability against federal agencies under the pollution control laws, such as for costs of response actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities, and private sites. The Section also brings affirmative civil enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act, obtaining penalties and injunctive relief from parties that illegally fill wetlands and other regulated waters. In addition to EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, EDS routinely represents the Department of Defense (and its component military branches) and the Department of Energy. Section attorneys are responsible for all aspects of complex litigation. This includes pre-trial tasks up to and through trial, such as preparation and filing of dispositive motions, drafting merits briefs, written and document discovery, selecting and working with experts, taking and defending expert and fact witness depositions, presenting oral argument in court, handling witnesses at trial and other evidentiary hearings, and negotiating settlements. Cases range from simpler matters typically handled by a single attorney, to more complicated matters typically handled by a small litigation team. EDS cases present attorneys with the opportunity to regularly appear and argue cases in the district courts and courts of appeals, and to periodically try cases or handle other evidentiary proceedings. EDS attorneys also frequently provide counsel to our client agencies and other DOJ components on litigation, draft regulations, and other environmental and administrative law issues related to our work. In addition, Section attorneys routinely coordinate with their colleagues in the United States Attorneys Offices, the Office of the Solicitor General, and State Attorney Generals Offices. For more information about the Environmental Defense Section, visit: http://www.justice.gov/enrd/environmental-defense-section

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
• You must complete a background investigation to include pre-employment drug testing.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
• J.D. degree required, must be an active member of the bar, any jurisdiction.

Qualifications

The Section's docket is demanding and requires top caliber work product. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of outstanding legal writing, complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. The ideal candidate should possess an excellent academic record and strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills. The ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive understanding of federal civil procedure, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Prior environmental law experience is helpful but not required. Specific grade level requirements: At least 3 years of post J.D. civil or environmental litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level. At least 4 years of post J.D. civil or environmental litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level. At least 5 years of post J.D. civil or environmental litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level. Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is: GS-13 ($117,962 - $153,354) GS-14 ($139,395 - $181,216) GS-15 ($163,964 - $191,900) YOUR RESUMÉ MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as 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 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.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Environmental Defense Section 150 M Street NE Washington, DC 20002 US
• Name: Carmen Browne
• Phone: (202) 616-3127
• Email: [email protected]