This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/701710300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
These positions are located in OGC's Mountain Region Offices.
The incumbent will be expected to function as a generalist attorney with an emphasis on natural resources and/or commercial law and provide legal support of USDA programs and litigation. The incumbent will provide legal advice, conduct legal research and analysis, draft and/or review legal documents, and interpret federal, state, tribal, and local laws. The incumbent will also perform other legal services as assigned.
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Overview
- Hiring complete
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Open & closing dates
01/26/2023 to 02/19/2023
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Salary
$69,107 - $99,513 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 11
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Locations
4 vacancies in the following locations:
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time
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Service
Excepted
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Promotion potential
14
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Announcement number
OGC-23-MDH-11803051-VC
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Control number
701710300
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Duties
- Provide legal advice and counsel to USDA agencies, to include the Forest Service (Regions 1-4), Farm Service Agency, NRCS, and Rural Development agencies, in states served by the OGC Mountain Region (e.g., AZ, CO, MT, ND, NM, SD, UT, and WY).
- Represent USDA agencies in administrative litigation, including water rights adjudications.
- Conduct legal research and draft and/or review legal documents (e.g., briefs, deeds, contracts, loan documentation, legal opinions, and agency documents).
- Serve as agency counsel for USDA in litigation handled by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Requirements
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.
- Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
- Must submit Cover Letter, Resume, Proof of Bar Membership, and Law School Transcripts.
- Review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory.
- Requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation.
- Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
- Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Obtain and use a Government issued charge card for business-related travel.
- May be subject to satisfactory completion of a two year probationary or trial period.
Qualifications
For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions:
Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume. Any experience in natural resources law (administrative law, environmental law, mining and mineral law, real property, tribal law, and/or water law) and commercial law (secured transactions, lending, trusts, foreclosures, bankruptcy), should also be highlighted.
GS-11: Meet minimum qualifications, above, and demonstrate: Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Attorney Advisor. Examples of such experience include: Providing under supervision legal advice, research, analysis and interpretation of federal, state, tribal, and local laws; Assisting in writing opinions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and legal support of agency/organization programs and litigation; Preparing various kinds of legal documents, both for specific case use and for general use; Ability to conduct legal research to handle cases involving USDA programs; Ability to apply legal analysis and exhibit sound legal judgment in finding appropriate precedent or distinguishing applicable law or facts to support or justify legal positions with advice from senior attorneys.
The duties listed below are described at the FPL GS-14, the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 are developmental leading to such performance.
- Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have 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 or, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by the time you begin the position.
Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume. Any experience in natural resources law (administrative law, environmental law, mining and mineral law, real property, tribal law, and/or water law) and commercial law (secured transactions, lending, trusts, foreclosures, bankruptcy), should also be highlighted.
GS-11: Meet minimum qualifications, above, and demonstrate: Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Attorney Advisor. Examples of such experience include: Providing under supervision legal advice, research, analysis and interpretation of federal, state, tribal, and local laws; Assisting in writing opinions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and legal support of agency/organization programs and litigation; Preparing various kinds of legal documents, both for specific case use and for general use; Ability to conduct legal research to handle cases involving USDA programs; Ability to apply legal analysis and exhibit sound legal judgment in finding appropriate precedent or distinguishing applicable law or facts to support or justify legal positions with advice from senior attorneys.
The duties listed below are described at the FPL GS-14, the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 are developmental leading to such performance.
- Mastery of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise to provide expert legal advice in regard to the assigned program areas, develop or recommend litigation strategies and procedures, aid the U.S. Department of Justice in the trial of important or precedent-setting cases, and negotiate or participate in negotiating settlements on behalf of the USDA;
- Mastery of a large and complex body of law in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent to make determinations and reach conclusions which guide the USDA and component agencies in resolving subsequent, similar problems; provide legal advice to heads of programs and agencies on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and write opinions and case assessment memoranda after conducting detailed factual and legal research;
- Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice in litigation in order to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, litigation reports, and related documents in connection with suits by and against the Federal Government and determine in each case the nature of action or defense, the legal issues involved, the most effective course of action, and optimal strategies and tactics to be employed;
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of missions and functions of the USDA and its agencies or relevant subject matter expertise, as appropriate in order to provide legal services in support of USDA programs and activities that are consistent with the strategic goals of USDA and the priorities of the Secretary of Agriculture;
- Mastery of the principles and techniques of written and oral communication to speak and write with clarity and tact to provide guidance on complex legal issues, secure acceptance of recommendations, prepare complex legal opinions, and effectively represent the USDA in a variety of external interactions.
Education
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 by the time you begin the position.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.
Cover Letter: You must submit a cover letter explaining your interest in working for USDA's Office of the General Counsel, and noting any relevant course work, training, or prior experience that you believe should be considered in evaluating your application.
It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above requirements (education and bar membership). Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education, and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found "not qualified".
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Additional information
There are vacancies in Lakewood, Colorado; Missoula, Montana; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Rest of the US Pay Scale: The below salary reflects the pay range from GS-11 Step 1 to a GS-14 Step 10. This position starts at the GS-11 level only. However, the full performance level is a GS-14. Below are the salary ranges for each grade level:
GS-11: $69,107.00 - $89,835.00
GS-12: $82,830.00 - $107,680.00
GS-13: $98,496.00 - $128,043.00
GS-14: $116,393.00 - $151,308.00
Denver, CO Pay Scale: The below salary reflects the pay range from GS-11 Step 1 to a GS-14 Step 10. This position starts at the GS-11 level only. However, the full performance level is a GS-14. Below are the salary ranges for each grade level:
GS-11: $76,551.00 - $99,513.00
GS-12: $91,753.00 - $119,280.00
GS-13: $109,107.00 - $141,836.00
GS-14: $128,931.00 - $167,608.00
Albuquerque, NM Pay Scale: The below salary reflects the pay range from GS-11 Step 1 to a GS-14 Step 10. This position starts at the GS-11 level only. However, the full performance level is a GS-14. Below are the salary ranges for each grade level:
GS-11: $69,777.00 - $90,707.00
GS-12: $83,634.00 - $108,724.00
GS-13: $99,451.00 - $129,285.00
GS-14: $117,522.00 - $152,775.00
This is a bargaining unit designated position. This position is represented by AFGE, Local 1106.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
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.
Benefits
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Attorney positions are in the excepted service, not the competitive civil service. There is no formal rating system for applying Veterans' Preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service.
However, if you are eligible for Veterans' Preference in hiring, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation, e.g., SF-15, DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Proof of Bar Membership or other supporting documentation.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
- Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from Federal service.
Benefits
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
You must submit a complete Application Package prior to 11:59 ET on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
All applicants must submit:
- Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume click here.
- Law School Transcript: An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official law school transcript will be required prior to entering on duty
- Bar Membership: Proof of Bar Membership
- Cover Letter: In order for your application to be considered, you must submit a cover letter not to exceed 1,200 words, demonstrating your interest in the position and location and showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed in this announcement.
- DD-214 (Member 4 Copy): If claiming veterans preference, you must submit a DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive Veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
- If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference you must provide the DD-214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
- Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
- Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
- Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Your application package may be reviewed and screened at any time during the announcement period. If you decide to submit a revised application package during the announcement period, please notify the Agency contact person listed below.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Agency contact information
Angela Ervin
- Address
-
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Your application package may be reviewed and screened at any time during the announcement period. If you decide to submit a revised application package during the announcement period, please notify the Agency contact person listed below.
Required Documents
You must submit a complete Application Package prior to 11:59 ET on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
All applicants must submit:
- Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 4) supervisor's phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 5) other qualifications. If you need assistance in creating a federal resume click here.
- Law School Transcript: An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official law school transcript will be required prior to entering on duty
- Bar Membership: Proof of Bar Membership
- Cover Letter: In order for your application to be considered, you must submit a cover letter not to exceed 1,200 words, demonstrating your interest in the position and location and showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed in this announcement.
- DD-214 (Member 4 Copy): If claiming veterans preference, you must submit a DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive Veteran's preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
- If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference you must provide the DD-214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference visit FEDSHIREVETS
- Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
- Worker's Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
- Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
Your application package may be reviewed and screened at any time during the announcement period. If you decide to submit a revised application package during the announcement period, please notify the Agency contact person listed below.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
NOTE: Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
Agency contact information
Angela Ervin
- Address
-
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Office of the General Counsel
Attorneys assigned to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provide legal advice and services to all agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture in administering USDA programs and activities within the defined geographic area.
To learn more about our agency, our exciting mission, vision and guiding principles, please click here to view the Office of the General Counsel website.
Agency contact information
Angela Ervin
- Address
-
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US