ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (Investigative Counsel)
This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General. The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. We consist of auditors, program analysts, investigators, and others with extensive expertise. Although we are a part of EPA, Congress provides us with our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence.
Major duties
The Administrative Investigations Directorate (AID) within the Office of Special Review and Evaluation (OSRE) conducts administrative investigations of allegations of misconduct by senior agency employees and complaints of whistleblower reprisal by agency employees, or employees of agency contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees or personal services contractors. The office also manages the OIG's Hotline which serves as the main point of contact for agency employees and members of the public to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in agency programs and operations, and violations of law, regulations and policies by EPA and CSB employees, grantees, contractors and program participants. The position serves as investigative counsel within AID's Investigations Division focusing specifically on whistleblower reprisal investigations. As a ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (Investigative Counsel) GS-0905-14 your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision: Conduct timely and complex administrative investigations concerning allegations of reprisal for whistleblowing by EPA or CSB employees or employees of EPA or CSB contractors, subcontractors, grantees, or subgrantees or personal services contractors. This includes developing investigative plans, conducting interviews of witnesses and subjects, and obtaining and analyzing documentary evidence. Judiciously utilize a variety of technological tools to enhance investigative work, including document review software to conduct large scale document reviews. Conduct legal research on complex matters encountered during investigations, apply federal laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions to specific fact patterns, and prepare and defend written or oral legal opinions. Draft legal documents and other materials in connection with ongoing investigations, including subpoenas, document requests, and analytical memoranda. Assess the sufficiency of evidence following investigative activities and draft clear, detailed, and supported reports of investigation and other work products. Engage with a wide range of sources, including whistleblowers, regarding potential or ongoing administrative investigations.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: Applicants must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D.; and (2) a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. If selected, an official law school transcript and proof of an active bar membership will be required. AND You may qualify for the GS-14 grade level, if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of 4 years post-JD experience engaged in the active practice of law and at least 2 years of experience as a litigator (in civil or criminal cases) or investigative attorney, or other relevant experience. Knowledge of or experience interpreting and applying federal laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions involving whistleblower retaliation and/or whistleblower rights and protections within the federal system is preferred but not required. Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). 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. Applicants must meet the qualifications for this position within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D., if selected an official transcript will be required. In addition, the selectee will be required to provide proof of an active bar membership.