SummaryThis position is located in US Department of Agriculture, Office of the General Counsel. The primary purpose of the position is to provide professional legal services to major components of USDA and its agencies.
This is an open-continuous announcement with an initial cut-off date of 12/4/2026 and then every month thereafter. Please see the "How to Apply" section.DutiesHelp
- Provides effective legal services to USDA programs and activities, particularly within the U.S. Forest Service, that are consistent with USDA strategic goals and the priorities of the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Handles assignments that typically involve difficult or complex cases or legal problems related to one or more major Forest Service program area(s), including formulating, determining, or influencing the policies of the agency.
- Represents USDA and the US Forest Service in administrative and judicial adjudications and proceedings in complex cases with minimal assistance and instruction.
- Advises and or assists the US Department of Justice (DOJ), including U.S. Attorneys Offices, in connection with litigation, at both trial and appellate levels, in federal Courts.
- Prepares and reviews complex legal documents, such as: draft legislation or regulations, contracts, grants, agreements, leases, deeds, and other legal documents required in connection with implementation of USDA programs and activities.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- 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.
- If selected, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period as applicable to appointment type.
- Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
For consideration, all 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 (LLB or JD) (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.
Applicants should have a strong interest in federal natural resources law and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with civil litigation is highly desirable, and knowledge of natural resources law, environmental law, and the Administrative Procedure Act is a plus but not a requirement. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE At the GS-15 level: Qualifying experience for GS-15 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-14 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is possessing: a comprehensive knowledge, understanding or expertise of a particular subject matter area involving natural resources and land management; a mastery in a number of legal subject matter areas involving one or more major Forest Service program area(s) and senior level experience in execution of assignments with no preliminary instruction and minimal supervision; or first-chair litigation skills at a caliber sufficient to represent USDA and the U.S. Forest Service in complex cases with minimal supervision.
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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional informationThe salary ranges vary according to the geographic area locality adjustments; therefore, rates advertised represent base pay only as pay will depend upon the selectee's duty location. Please see the OPM 2026 GS Salary Tables.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report.
Incentives may be authorized.
Direct Hire Authority: This announcement is issued under the direct-hire authority to recruit for positions for which there is acritical need. Selectee(s) will receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service and may be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Category rating, veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this public notice.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
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.
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.
