Job Description

Full job description

Duties

This position is located within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior, Office of Solicitor, RMR- Denver, Royalties Team. The incumbent will provide legal services to the offices and programs of the Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR). The position is located in Lakewood, CO.


As an Attorney-Adviser with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor , Rocky Mountain Region, Federal and Indian Royalties Section , located in Lakewood, CO your specific duties will include:

• Provide a full array of legal services to the offices and programs of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) with particular emphasis on legal issues related to the appropriate interpretation and implementation of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (FOGRMA); the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA).
• Work with ONRR to develop regulations implementing FOGRMA; represent ONRR in administrative appeals before the Hearings Division of the Department of the Interior's Office of Hearings and Appeals and before the Interior Board of Land Appeals; and provide litigation support to the Department of Justice when rules, administrative decisions or actions are challenged in federal court.
• Provide both oral and written advice to ONRR on a wide variety of matters, including questions related to the Administrative Procedure Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
• Assist ONRR and the Department of Justice in developing, reviewing, filing, and proving the United States' claims in bankruptcy proceedings of entities whose assets include interests in federal or Indian mineral leases.
• Coordinate with colleagues and other offices in the Office of the Solicitor to ensure that legal advice provided is consistent and uniform and reflects the priorities of the Department of the Interior and the Secretary of the Interior.
• Work with ONRR in drafting, reviewing, and publishing rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Review proposed legislation and testimony related to the ONRR's offices and programs and assist with responses to Congressional document requests.

Salary Information: First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lower salary range of the grade level.

Salary Rate Range Information: (Per Annum)



GS-12 $96,684 - $125,685



GS-13 $114,970 - $149,465



GS-14 $135,860 - $176,620

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
• Must be an active member of the bar.
• Selectee may be subject to serving a 2-year trial period.
• You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
• Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

• A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• If selected for this position, you may be required to file one or more financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification of compliance upon reporting and annually, some of which may be subject to public disclosure.
• Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
• ( Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess experience in the full array of services related to Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (FOGRMA); the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, Indian Law, Federal and Indian Mineral Leasing, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Candidates should have excellent oral communication, writing, demonstrated experience in researching and analyzing highly complex issues, and the ability to work effectively with other people, and exercise sound judgment. Some knowledge of federal administrative law, bankruptcy law, corporate law (including corporate formation and acquisition law), e-discovery and rulemaking is highly desirable for this position. Absent relevant experience, candidates should describe their interest in the foregoing areas of law.


In order to better assess your qualifications for this position, when preparing your resume, please address your experience in or familiarity with the following subject matter areas and legal authorities: Federal Indian law, Administrative Procedure Act, mineral law, contract law, and law related to natural resources. In addition, please highlight your writing skills and attention to detail; address your experience in or familiarity with conducting extensive research, and writing legal memoranda and opinions, and providing legal advice or recommendations to clients, judges, and/or senior attorneys; litigating in Federal court/Federal administrative forums and preparing litigation documents as needed; evidentiary privileges and e-discovery, including familiarity with technology associated with the electronic search, retrieval, and review of documents; and, familiarity with Microsoft software applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, Windows, and corresponding with clients.



Basic Qualification Requirements
Applicants must be law school graduates with a J.D. degree AND must be an active member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.


This position is in the excepted service and not subject to competitive service procedures.
Merit promotion procedures do not apply.
This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.

• • To qualify for a GS-12 applicants must possess at least 2-years of professional legal experience following law school graduation;
  • To qualify for a GS-13 applicants must possess at least 3-years of professional legal experience following law school graduation;
  • To qualify for a GS-14 applicants must possess at least 4.5-years of professional legal experience following law school graduation;

For any of the grades indicated above you can substitute one year of experience with any of the following:

• have a second professional law degree; OR
• meet any of the criteria indicated below:

  • • academic standing in top one-third of law school graduating class;
    • graduation with academic honors;
    • significant participation on the law school's law review;
    • significant participation in the law school's moot court competition;
    • significant participation in a clinical legal aid program;
    • significant summer law office clerk experience; or
    • other equivalent evidence of clearly superior achievement.
    
    
    

Candidates should have excellent oral communication, writing, research and analysis skills, and the ability to work effectively with other people, and exercise sound judgment.


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, knowledge, and skills 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 information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website:



All applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Education: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide transcripts as proof of meeting the requirements.


Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the specific educational requirements as stated above. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:

Additional information

Other Information:
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.


Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position. The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.


NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.



Notice of Financial Disclosure Report Requirement: The position to which you will be appointed is subject to a financial disclosure reporting requirement and you will be required to complete a new entrant Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of your appointment.


THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.



Agency Benefits:
Working for the DOI, Office of the Solicitor offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; health, life, dental, vision, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

SOL has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.

For additional information on telework you may access the Department of Interior's Telework Handbook at

• 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.

  Review our 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.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made.


Please note applicants must meet the all qualifications requirement and submit all required documentation by closing date of the announcement for consideration for this position. Failure to meet all qualifications requirement and/or submit all required documents will result in an ineligible for consideration rating.


Applicants who are found to be qualified and referred to the selecting official for consideration may be asked to provide a writing sample. Instructions will be included in the email communication sent to qualified candidates


Basis of Rating: Applicants will not be rated or ranked. All applicants that meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements of the position will be referred to the selecting official for consideration


To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here:

• 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.

  Review our 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.

  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.
  
  
  Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at:
  
  
  
  Current & Former Federal Employees
  If you are a current or former Federal employee, please submit the following by the closing date of this announcement:

  • a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level, step and salary; and
  • your most recent performance appraisal (if you do not have your most recent performance appraisal, please submit an explanation as to why it is unavailable)

  All Applicants
  You must meet the qualifications and submit all required documents by closing date of the announcement. NOTE: Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and you will be marked ineligible for consideration.
  
  
  You must submit proof that you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Such proof can include a current active bar card, a screen print from a bar website that reflects you are an active member of the bar or a letter/certificate from the bar certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Documents (bar card, screen print, letter/certificate) must be dated within 3 months of the closing date of the announcement . If using a screen print, make sure it is clear when the screen print was taken. For bar cards that do not have a date on them, please also submit a screen print or letter/certificate certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law dated within 3 months of the announcement closing date.
  - Resume : A detailed resume that demonstrates your professional history, education and qualifications. Along with the state in which your active Bar membership is held.
  - Cover Letter : A 1-2 page cover letter is REQUIRED expressing your interest and qualifications for this position.
  - Transcripts : This position requires specific educational course work to qualify (or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education), you are required to provide all unofficial

  law

  school transcripts or list of course work, which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement. This proof may be faxed, document uploaded, or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office (see "Required Documents" and/or "Contact Information"). Please ensure that all documentation is legible.
  
  -Bar Membership - You must provide information in your resume regarding the state in which your active Bar membership is held.
  
  
  • - Veterans Preference If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.
  • -If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable.
  • -If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders. Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans' preference.
  Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.
  
  
  Required documents may be:
  (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or
  (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.
  
  
  
  

  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

  Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
  
  
  Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement:1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button.2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy.6) Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below.7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.

  
  
  

  Agency contact information

  Adarian Thompson

  Phone

  504-736-2878

  Email

  adarian.thompson@bsee.gov

  Next steps

  You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.


Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at:



Current & Former Federal Employees
If you are a current or former Federal employee, please submit the following by the closing date of this announcement:

• a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level, step and salary; and
• your most recent performance appraisal (if you do not have your most recent performance appraisal, please submit an explanation as to why it is unavailable)

All Applicants
You must meet the qualifications and submit all required documents by closing date of the announcement. NOTE: Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and you will be marked ineligible for consideration.


You must submit proof that you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Such proof can include a current active bar card, a screen print from a bar website that reflects you are an active member of the bar or a letter/certificate from the bar certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Documents (bar card, screen print, letter/certificate) must be dated within 3 months of the closing date of the announcement . If using a screen print, make sure it is clear when the screen print was taken. For bar cards that do not have a date on them, please also submit a screen print or letter/certificate certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law dated within 3 months of the announcement closing date.
- Resume : A detailed resume that demonstrates your professional history, education and qualifications. Along with the state in which your active Bar membership is held.
- Cover Letter : A 1-2 page cover letter is REQUIRED expressing your interest and qualifications for this position.
- Transcripts : This position requires specific educational course work to qualify (or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education), you are required to provide all unofficial

law

school transcripts or list of course work, which includes semester hours earned and grade received, by the closing date of this announcement. This proof may be faxed, document uploaded, or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office (see "Required Documents" and/or "Contact Information"). Please ensure that all documentation is legible.

-Bar Membership - You must provide information in your resume regarding the state in which your active Bar membership is held.

• - Veterans Preference If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.
• -If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans' preference and that your character of military service is honorable.
• -If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders. Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans' preference.

Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.


Required documents may be:
(1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or
(2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.

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

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Excepted Service

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Summer work, Remote job, Trial period, Flexible hours, Night shift,

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