Attorney Advisor

Duties The selectee will serve as a Attorney Advisor (Construction) in the Office of the Chief Counsel. Typical work assignments include: Providing legal advice and counsel on all stages of the procurement and construction process, including planning, design, solicitation, award, and contract administration. Providing oral and written legal advice on issues affecting construction projects, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Contract Disputes Act, as well as numerous other related laws and regulations. Providing efficient and solution-oriented legal advice to project teams and the Contract Officer on the contractual and legal implications of proposed actions and responses, including changes, delays, disruptions, interference, acceleration, differing site conditions, and environmental issues. Serving as the primary attorney charged with the preparation and presentation of the Service's position in Federal procurement litigation (e.g., bid protests, contract disputes, etc.) before the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA). Preparing all types of pleadings and written discovery, conducting and defending depositions, managing discovery process, preparing witnesses for depositions and trial, retaining and managing experts, supervising and mentoring junior attorneys. Maintaining the highest level of federal acquisition matter expertise by independently keeping apprised and researching changes in Federal procurement statute, regulations, and executive branch policy, and case precedents. Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the agency's mission by providing legal advice, instruction, and representation. Navigating the complexities of construction law, from contract negotiation, contract administration, dispute resolution to litigation, as well as providing comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of Secret Service construction professionals. This Attorney Advisor (Construction) position starts at a salary of $167,603.00, GS-15 step 1, with potential to $195,200.00, GS-15 step 10. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship is required. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. If selected for this position, you will be required to: Obtain and maintain an top secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page. Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. NOTE: The person selected for this position may be subject to a one-year trial period. Qualifications To be considered qualified for this position applicants you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which applying. You must demonstrate that you meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. A first professional law degree (Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D. obtained from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time the degree was obtained. AND B. Be an active member in good standing of the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. (Note: Supporting documentation must be included with the application package). IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify for the GS-15 level (starting salary $167,603.00) if you possess the following: Three years of specialized professional legal experience, following obtaining first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.), in government contracts, of which includes experience advising clients regarding complex construction law issues to perform successfully the duties of the position (generally, the experience is in or related to the work of the position to be filled). The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Education You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected for the position. Additional information DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment , and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to . More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans , Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers , and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger). How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This announcement is being filled using the Schedule A Hiring Authority 5 CFR 213.3102 (D) under Excepted Service procedures. Traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply to attorney positions. Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position and submit a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. The Office of the Chief Counsel (LEG) will evaluate qualified applicants by comparing each candidate's qualifications to those pertinent to the position. LEG will consider relevant skills and experience, education and training. An applicant need not have specific knowledge and experience with regard to each item listed in the Duties section in order to qualify for the position. Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Homeland Security considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in a cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions. View information on veterans' preference . Interviews are required for this position. As part of the interview process, you may be required to provide a legal writing sample and references, a second interview may be conducted. These additional assessments will be considered in the selection process. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies co