Section Chief

Summary The Law and Policy Section advises and assists the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) on environmental and policy questions, particularly those that affect multiple sections in the Division. Working with the Office of Legislative Affairs, it coordinates the Division's response to legislative proposals and Congressional requests, prepares for appearances of Division witnesses before Congressional committees, and drafts and analyzes legislative proposals in connection with the Division's work. Responsibilities 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. The Section assists with coordination of the Division's amicus cases, undertakes other special litigation projects, coordinates the Division's involvement in international legal matters, represents the Division on interagency committees on a variety of issues, and assists the Office of the AAG in developing positions on policy matters related to the work of the Division. For more information about the Environment and Natural Resources Division, visit the Department's web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd You will serve as Chief of the Law and Policy Section. The Chief oversees a staff of approximately two dozen attorneys and legal support personnel who are responsible for advising the AAG on a variety of legal matters concerning environmental and natural resources issues. You will establish important policy-making priorities, often precedent setting in nature and frequently with nationwide impacts, ensuring the Section's mission is fulfilled successfully. Additionally, you will also assist in the development of ENRD's position on federal regulations, legislation, initiatives, and other matters of interest to the ENRD. Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as a consultant to the AAG and Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAG) with respect to all legal cases and matters that fall within the purview of the Section. Advises and consults with the AAG and DAAGs, reporting on the status of cases and matters within the Section. Prepares advice with proper regard for timeliness and bases advice on extensive research, pertinent factual and legal analysis, appropriate staff work, recommendations from interested federal agencies, and due regard for considerations of justice as well as the needs and concerns of client agencies and their programs. Serves as ENRD's Deputy Designated Agency Ethics Official, overseeing the Division's ethics program. Serves as the Division's point of contact for professional responsibility, civil international environmental issues, environmental justice issues, Freedom of Information Act requests, Congressional inquiries, citizen suits, pro Bono and other matters. Provides counsel and advice to attorneys responsible for representing the United States in direct negotiations and discussions with senior officials of states, counties, and cities throughout the United States and lawyers and high-level officials from the private sector. Serves as a liaison between Department of Justice and decision makers of client agencies. Provides current, relevant information and ample opportunity for client agencies and other appropriate agencies to respond to legal matters affecting them. Develops and maintains measures to minimize waste, fraud and abuse of resources and assets consistent with annual performance plans and written guidelines. Initiates corrective action when violations are discovered. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered. As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and three Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) separately. The application process used to recruit for this position is TRADITIONAL. Your resume must not exceed seven pages, including an optional cover letter. Copies of the Office of Personnel Management's "Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications" may be obtained via the Internet at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf. Please see Application Procedures for specific instructions. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction). We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Section Chief. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess. YOU WILL BE EVALUATED ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ): Your responses to the MTQs should be addressed separately, not to exceed two pages per MTQ. MTQ 1. Demonstrated experience in the management of complex legal issues. MTQ 2. Knowledge of laws, policies and procedures relevant to environmental and policy issues. MTQ 3. Demonstrated experience as a technical authority and expert advisor to support development and implementation of legal and policy initiatives and strategies under federal pollution control and natural resource laws, Indian law, or the Administrative Procedure Act. IN ADDITION, YOU MUST CLEARLY DOCUMENT AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs), NOT TO EXCEED TEN PAGES. Please provide a separate response to each ECQ. ECQ1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. ECQ2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. ECQ3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. ECQ4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. ECQ5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Additional information on the Executive Core Qualifications can be found at http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/ecq.asp. Please refer to OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information. Education Additional Information DOJ offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid annual and sick leave; holidays; telework; life and health insurance; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits offered to Federal employees: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits. The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of the selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive employee must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. Individuals entering the Senior Executive Service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of the certificate as part of their application. EEO Policy Statement: The Department of Justice does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, status as a parent, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other impermissible factor. The complete DOJ EEO Statement/Policy is found at: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf. Reasonable Accommodation Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Legal and Regulatory Guidance Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number (SSN) is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your SSN is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your SSN on your application materials will result in your application not being processed. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action. Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement.