Assistant General Counsel

This position is designated as SES, General. USDA structures its SES positions into position levels. This is a position level 1 with a salary range of $192,332 to $204,121 per year. Exceptions to the salary cap may be considered in certain circumstances. SES employees are also eligible to receive bonuses and performance-based awards. Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/ for additional information and benefits for SES employees.

Serves as Assistant General Counsel for the Natural Resources and Environment Division and is responsible for the general supervision of the Division.

Provides direction, legal advice and litigation support for all natural resources litigation matters arising under Forest Service and other USDA programs and activities.

Prepares legal advice, memoranda, and opinions concerning USDA natural resources and conservation programs and environmental law matters.

Reviews regulations, policies, and directives concerning USDA natural resources and conservation programs.

Provides direction and supervision of legal work arising under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and other environmental laws affecting USDA programs.

Supervises and directs all legal work under statutes and regulations applying to USDA natural resources and conservation programs.

Serves as chief legal counsel on controversial, complicated, or precedent-setting matters which may involve working with top officials in the Office of the Secretary and their counterparts in other agencies.

Supervises a staff of attorneys and support personnel and coordinates nationwide with natural resources attorneys and professionals in other Departments and USDA offices in connection with performance of all such duties.

A professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school. Law school transcript required AND active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.