Chief Counsel

The incumbent serves as Chief Counsel to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The Chief Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to the Director of BEP and his/her top officials with regard to the functions and activities of the Bureau. BEP designs, engraves, and prints all major items of financial character issued by the U.S. Government, such as paper currency, Treasury bonds, bills, notes, certificates, postage, certain customs stamps, and food coupons.

As Chief Counsel, you will: Direct an office responsible for advice and counsel concerning all aspects of the Bureau's operations, such as interpreting statutes and regulations and providing advice pertaining to all activities of the Bureau, including the procurement of supplies and services; Freedom of Information and Privacy Act matters; the Federal Tort Claims Act; and all employment-related matters. Interpret the statutes and regulations that concern the operations of the Bureau and prepare or direct preparation of legal opinions and memoranda with regard to these operations. Oversee the defense of employment and labor-related matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Federal Labor Relations Authority and labor arbitrators, and support the Bureau's negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Oversee the defense of appeals connected with the Bureau's procurement activities before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals and procurement protests before the Government Accountability Office. Assist the Department of Justice in the trial of civil actions before the U.S. Court of Claims and other Federal Courts involving the activities of the Bureau. Regularly confer with the key officials of the Bureau and advise such officials on the legal aspects of all matters arising within the administration of the Bureau, including currency design, labor-management relations, procurement, real property issues, and personnel administration.

U.S. Citizenship is required. Must have graduated from an accredited law school. Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. A one-year SES probationary period is required, if not previously completed. An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period. Must successfully complete personnel security vetting (e.g., investigation, evaluation, and adjudication). Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. Must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer. 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. Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. File a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Disclosure of Political Appointments: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently or have been within the last five (5) years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Noncareer SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information on your resume and to the Human Resources Office. Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants must possess a first professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Applicants must submit copies of both law school and undergraduate transcripts at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes; however, official transcripts will be required if selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)