Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise a team of attorneys that provide specialized legal advice and services within the Department of the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps for issues related to environmental law, particularly in the area of environmental restoration (cleanup). The incumbent provides specialized legal advice and support to The Judge Advocate General, Operations and International Law Directorate, and the Environmental Law Field Support Center.

Duties

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• As Chief of the Restoration Branch within the Environmental Law Field Support Center, exercises leadership over a highly specialized, geographically dispersed legal team composed of GS-15 senior attorneys and GS-14 attorneys, typically consisting of six attorneys including one member operating in an OCONUS location. Manages complex caseloads and ensures the seamless execution of legal support. Acts as the corporate memory for the branch, ensuring continuity, stability, and uniformity of critical environmental restoration policies and operations amidst rapidly evolving statutory landscapes and leadership transitions.
• Formulates comprehensive, authoritative legal advice and delivers definitive legal opinions to Department of the Air Force installations, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, MAJCOM/FLDCOM, and high-level Secretariat elements regarding complex environmental restoration challenges governed by the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action, and Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA). Serves as the primary legal interface between operational units and policymaking echelons by thoroughly evaluating the practical impacts of proposed policy alternatives and ensures operational realities are factored into Secretariat-level strategic decisions.
• Serves as the primary Air Force legal expert on environmental restoration matters, continually builds upon that specialized knowledge and experience and ensures that it is shared across the Department of War. Develops and conducts comprehensive legal training to keep DOW attorneys and environmental legal practitioners current on rapidly changing, highly technical environmental laws.
• Uses subject matter expertise to assist the Air Force Environmental Litigation Center as needed with litigation and administrative proceedings before federal, state, and regulatory venues regarding environmental, occupational safety and health, cultural and natural resources, and real property matters. When directed by the Environmental Law Field Support Center and Environmental Law and Litigation Division leadership, advises assigned litigation attorneys on relevant laws, regulations, and policies within designated subject matter expertise.
• Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to subordinate employees regarding policies, procedures, and management directives. Selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignment in consideration of skills, qualifications, and mission requirements.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours and/or Shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular hours
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays
• Must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• Extensive experience and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in environmental law is highly desirable
• Experience working within a large and complex legal organization is highly desirable but not required. Similarly, experience working at high levels within the Department of War or Department of the Air Force is desired but not required
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof on your resume
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request

Qualifications

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 (LLB or JD).
• In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.

Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct complex legal research and a familiarity with the research resources most commonly involved in environmental restoration laws. This includes various statutes, Department of War and Department of the Air Force policy and guidance, the United States Code, court opinions, the Code of Federal Regulations, etc. Familiarity with electronic research resources such as Westlaw, Lexis, etc. is required.

2. Knowledge as a practicing environmental law attorney and ability in relevant experience, especially in positions supervising experienced attorneys; knowledge in the area of environmental restoration law, regulation, and policy.

3. Skill and ability in supervisory management responsibilities, including recruitment and hiring policies; assessing merit performance and determining awards; developing employee skills and abilities; holding employees accountable; planning, scheduling, and prioritizing work to be performed by subordinates; addressing complaints of harassment, discrimination, and about working conditions; ensuring workplace is free of harassment, discrimination, and reprisal; and encouraging employees to identify fraud, waste, and abuse.

4. Skill and ability in written and oral advocacy in order to prepare and present written and oral briefings before decision-makers.

5. Skill and ability to formulate, coordinate, and present the Department of the Air Force legal position before regulators, elected officials, the public, and senior officials for the Department of the Air Force and other relevant agencies.

6. Skill and ability in computer word processing software such as Word for Windows, Excel, and Power Point is required.

At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.