Deputy Chief Environmental Defense Section

The Energy and Natural Resources Division is a core litigating component of the Department of Justice. We uphold the nation's laws governing natural resources, public lands, and Tribal rights. These laws are crucial to energy development, mining, timber production, fish and wildlife, and resource conservation. We also defend and enforce federal environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and laws governing toxic substances and hazardous waste.

The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) handles a very diverse docket of cases arising in both federal district courts and the courts of appeals under the nation's major pollution-control statutes, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, as well as statutes governing pesticides, drinking water, toxic substances, and the management and cleanup of hazardous wastes. EDS cases are defensive in nature, which can range, for example, from challenges to EPA and other federal agency regulations, permit decisions and policies, to cases seeking to compel allegedly overdue agency actions, to cases brought against federal agencies seeking contribution to hazardous waste cleanups. EDS sometimes works with the enforcement section on matters involving both defensive and offensive claims. Recent noteworthy examples of EDS' work include defense of EPA regulations governing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and stationary sources, as well as regulations issued by EPA and the Corps of Engineers defining the scope of "waters of the United States" subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) plays a vital and unique role in defending the federal government's environmental regulatory agenda being implemented by EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, including rules and permits issued under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other pollution control statutes. With approximately 60 lawyers and 20 legal support staff; EDS is the third-largest litigating section in ENRD. Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to Participates fully with the Section Chief in advising the Deputy Attorney General, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, and the Assistant Attorney General as appropriate on all matters related to the Energy and Natural Resources program. Serves as the primary leader of the staff for day-to-day operations. Shares the full scope of duties with the Section Chief overseeing a nationwide network of attorneys embedded within U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs). Builds and leads integrated partnerships with federal prosecutors and state officials, ensuring the Energy and Natural Resources Division's mission is carried out effectively in every district and state. Accountable for strategic direction, operational oversight, and national coordination of the Program, ensuring high-quality enforcement, litigation support, and cross district collaboration. Manages the Section's fiscal resources and assures the effectiveness of internal management controls.

Conditions of Employment: You must be a United States Citizen or National. Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position. You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed. You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed. This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. You may be required to travel up to 25% of the time. You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. 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 the Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing in at least one state, one U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes.