Summary About the Position:

Position is located in the US Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, Office of Counsel. Primarily renders advice on matters to contract formation, contract performance and administration, and post-contract performance activities, to include litigation. This is a developmental position. You may be selected for the GS-13/14 grade level. Full Performance Level is GS-14.

Pay Range

• GS-13: $108,019 - $140,426
• GS-14: $127,646 - $165,945

Duties

• Advise the Executive Office and other staff operating officials on legal matters pertaining to the work and activities of the District.
• Perform review of contractual instruments for legal clarity and sufficiency.
• Review and draft supporting documents on contractual and realty matters.
• Prepare and forward appeal assemblies through the proper channels to the appropriate Board of Contract Appeals.
• Serve as Trial Attorney on contractual claims and appeals arising under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk District.
• Investigate, process or review claims other than contract, in favor of or against the Government arising from activities within the District.

Requirements

Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Appointment may be subject to a one year probationary period. This position requires pre-employment financial disclosure and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R. This requires travel up to 5% of the time.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration:

• Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
• Bar Membership: Applicant must currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Specialized Experience for GS-13 Level:

Two or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position: Reviewing contractual instruments for legal clarity and sufficiency, such as construction, supply, services, architect-engineer, water supply storage, and other contracts; Investigating circumstances of claims under contracts. OR Graduated from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or obtained and advanced law degree such as Master of Law (LLM) and have one year of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, which commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Specialized Experience for GS-14 Level:

Three or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position: Rendering decisions on the interpretation of contract provisions and the intent of contract requirements; Preparing cases for trial or argument, or hearing on the record for contractual claims and appeals.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12/13).

Education 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct deposit of pay is required. This position requires you to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a Legal Career Program position aligned under the Public Affair, Inspector General, Legal, Learning, Archives & Relations/Communications (PILLAR) Career Management Directorate. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. Recruitment Incentive may be authorized. Relocation incentive may be authorized. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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 window Learn 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.