Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Position: Chief Administrative Judge, Interior Board of Land Appeals, Dept. of Interior (Deadline: October 9, 2013)

This appears to be for a senior/experience attorney.  As an SL (Senior Leader position), it is in the equivalent of the SES (Senior Executive Service), i.e. above the regular GS positions.


Job Title:Chief Administrative Judge, Interior Board of Land Appeals
Department:Department Of The Interior
Agency:Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Job Announcement Number:OS-13-SL-MM957609

SALARY RANGE:

$119,554.00 to $165,300.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 to Wednesday, October 09, 2013

SERIES & GRADE:

SL-0905-00

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full Time - Permanent

DUTY LOCATIONS:

1 vacancy in the following location:
Arlington, VA United StatesView Map

WHO MAY APPLY:

United States Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:

Are you interested in joining - 
-- An agency who responsibilities touch the lives of all Americans, and contributes to the Nation's environmental quality, economic vitality, and the well-being of communities, including those of native Americans, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders?
The Department of the Interior has a multifaceted mission that combines natural resource protection, recreation, natural resource use, services to communities and individuals, and biological and earth sciences.  We are seeking individuals who share a passion for our country’s most valuable resources and a commitment to obtaining, training, and retaining a highly skilled and diverse workforce needed to accomplish our exciting and challenging mission. 


The Department of the Interior:
* Conducts government-to-government relations with 566 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and provides supporting services to those tribes and their members.
* Serves as trustee of over 55 million surface acres and 57 million acres of subsurface estates, and related natural resources, owned by Indian tribes or individual Indians.
* Manages one in every five acres of land in the United States.
* Operates more than 800 dams and irrigation facilities.
* Oversees water projects that irrigate lands generating 60 percent of our Nation’s vegetables.
* Manages lands and waters that generate one-third of the Nation’s domestic energy supply.
* Undertakes research and provides scientific information to advance our knowledge of our surroundings.
* Serves American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities.
* Works with States to restore abandoned mine land sites and protects communities.
* Manages 388 national park units and 542 wildlife refuges.
* Employs over 75,000 individuals at approximately 2,400 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and freely associated states who work with thousands of state, local, and public interest groups to help cities and towns address their natural resource needs.

    KEY REQUIREMENTS


  • You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position
  • Participation in direct deposit is required
  • A J.D. or LL.B. degree is required.
  • Bar Membership: Active and in good standing is required.
  • Applicants must separately address the Mandatory Qualifications.

DUTIES:

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NOTE:  Special requirements for current and former political appointees.  See How to Apply section for more information. 

The Chief Administrative Judge controls and directs the day-to-day operation of the Board and is responsible for its internal organization and processes, including supervision of its administrative judges, attorneys, and administrative and clerical staff.  The Chief Administrative Judge oversees the legal work of the Board, including the assignment of appeals to attorneys and administrative judges and, on an almost-daily basis, issuing procedural orders on motions filed in cases not yet assigned to judges. 
The Chief Administrative Judge must be capable of assessing the facts and legal issues involved in every pending appeal, reviewing all proposed decisions of the Board to assure that they are consistent with previous decisions, applicable statues, regulations, precedents, and Departmental policy.  Because of the importance of the Boards decisions and their wide distribution and publication, an extremely high standard must be maintained as to their quality, factual accuracy, legal reasoning and articulation.
In the event an appellant files suit as a result of Board decision, the Chief Administrative Judge may assist the Department of Justice in the preparation of an appropriate defense to the litigation.  In addition, the Chief Administrative Judge represents the Board and its interests within the Department and before other government entities and the public.  The Chief Administrative Judge provides periodic reports to the Director of OHA on case load and other issues, and makes recommendations regarding budget, personnel, travel, space and supplies.


QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

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Applicants must have a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be current members in good standing of a bar of a State, the Districe of Columbia, or a territory or commonwealth of the United States.  YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF THAT YOU MEET THIS REQUIREMENT.
Additionally, applicants must have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.  Qualifying experience must be of a type and level sufficient to demonstrates the applicant’s ability to render final decisions in appeals covering a wide range of complex, highly contested issues in an efficient and timely manner.
As a basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Mandatory Qualifications below.  Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations.  Failure to meet basic qualification requirements and all mandatory qualifications listed automatically disqualifies an applicant.

Each applicant is required to submit a comprehensive narrative statement addressing each mandatory qualifications individually.  The narrative must demonstrate the necessary level of skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence that would indicate successful performance in this Senior Level position.  This evidence must include clear and concise examples that emphasize the applicant's level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of assignments, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts.  Applicants who fail to provide this narrative statement in the format requested will not be considered.  EACH MANDATORY QUALIFICATION MUST BE ADDRESSED SEPARATELY and must not exceed two pages each.  IF YOU EXCEED THIS LIMIT, YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS 
1.  Broad legal knowledge and experience, including as (a) a judge or attorney for a court or quasi-judicial tribunal, (b) an attorney representing the government or private parties in litigation, and/or (c) an attorney advising government or private parties in legal disputes.  Demonstrated ability to quickly develop a specialized knowledge of unfamiliar substative areas. 
2.  Understanding of (a) administrative law and (b) natural resources law, including relevant statutes, regulations and case law. 
3.  Skills in analyzing and synthesizing voluminous and technically complex evidentiary materials, and in researching, considering, and correctly applying the law to decide cases. 
4. Skill in oral and written communication, especially ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively.  
5. Ability to lead, negotiate, supervise, and direct Attorneys, including consensus-building and presiding over Board meetings. 
6. Ability to produce a high volume of quality work in a timely manner to meet individual or organizational goals. 


HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Applicants who meet all the Mandatory Qualifications may be evaluated by a panel of experts to determine the degree to which they possess each of the listed qualifications.  This evaluation will determine which applicants are best qualified.  Total background, including experience, education, awards, self-development, and training will be reviewed.  This information will be obtained from the application package, including the required narrative statement for the Mandatory Qualifications described above.

Veterans’ Preference
: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your résumé.  Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

  • For 5-point veterans’ preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., copy of military orders, campaign documents as: or expeditionary award citation, etc.) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
  • For 10-point veterans’ preference, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference and all other required documentation.

BENEFITS:

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Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the Federal Government. We offer a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. Here are some highlights. Look for additional information along with links to pages that spell out the details below at http://www.opm.gov/retire/retire_jobseekers.asp. 

  • Our health insurance program is a nationally recognized model that offers you choice and flexibility along with a substantial employer contribution to premiums. And you can pay your share of premiums as well as your out-of-pocket costs with pre-tax dollars.
  • Our leave policy provides ample time off to take care of your personal, your recreational and your health care needs. In addition to 10 paid holidays every year, you will accumulate 13 days of sick leave each year along with 26 vacation days.
In addition to these programs that we know will be of interest to you right now, the Federal Government recognizes the need for income replacement and income support benefits down the road.

  • Our 3-part retirement program includes a social security benefit, a 401(k) type plan, and a defined benefit component based on years of employment and salary history.
  • In addition to retiree health insurance benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, you also will be eligible for Medicare.
  • You will be able to choose among several options for life insurance coverage for both you and your family members.
  • We offer the largest group long-term care insurance program in the country. As a new employee, you may be eligible to enroll by answering just a few simple questions. And you can tailor your benefits package to your own needs.

OTHER INFORMATION:

The applicant selected for this position will be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report, SF-278, and the supplemental form, Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interest, DI-278.  All forms must be filed within 30 days after the selection for this position.

The sensitivity level of the position requires completion of a successful background investigation of the selectee.  Prior to appointment, all applicants tentatively selected for this position may be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, martial status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring authority directly.  Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (P.L. 93-579):  The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

HOW TO APPLY:

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Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on Wednesday, October 09, 2013


To apply for this position, click the APPLY ONLINE button on the right side of this screen and follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions, and submit all the required documents.

To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "My Applications".  Click on the position title, and then select APPLY ONLINE to continue.  Please ensure that you select the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

We strongly encourage you to apply online.  If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144.  You must print a copy of OPM FORM 1203-FX http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf, document your responses to the assessment questionnaire (click here to View Occupational Questionnaire) and use the official FAX cover sheet found here http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf 


Note for certain applicants:
Effective January 1, 2010, OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES (political) employees in the executive branch.  If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:

1.  REQUIRED Your resume – it must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement.  Insufficient information will result in a not qualified rating.  It is recommended that you include the following information:
- Full name, mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers
- Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received
- Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including:
**Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
**Duties and accomplishments
**Employer's name and address
**Supervisor's name and phone number
**Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year)
**Salary
**Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor
**Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments

2.  REQUIRED A narrative statement addressing each of the Mandatory Qualifications – experience (paid and unpaid), education, training, awards, and/or self-development activities as related to each.  Each Mandatory Qualification must be addressed separately.  Narrative statements must not exceed 2 pages for each individual Mandatory Qualification.  IF YOU EXCEED THESE LIMITS, YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. 

3.  REQUIRED Proof of J.D. or LL.B. degree and current Bar membership that is in good standing.

4.  REQUIRED If you are a current Federal employee, a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service.  Please redact your social security number and date of birth.

5. REQUIRED IF APPLICABLE  If you wish to have your status as a veteran considered, you must submit the appropriate documentation, such as a DD-214, SF-15 with appropriate supporting documentation and/or your last official statement from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, if you have a service connected disability.

6.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (from either the Federal or private sector).  Please remove your social security number.

7.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Candidates are requested to complete the DI-1935, Applicant Background Survey, on a voluntary basis.  Information will be used solely to review compliance with Federal law.  Failure to complete this form will not affect consideration.  The form can be found online at http://www.doi.gov/diversity/di1935.htm.
To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom (or right) of this screen and follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions, and submit all required documents.  To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov and click on “My Applications”.  Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.

REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59pm ET (WashingtonD.C. time) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT Wednesday, October 09, 2013 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:


AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Human DC Assistant
Phone: (703)787-1446
Email: HUMAN.RESOURCES18@BSEE.GOV
Agency Information:
Office of the Secretary
1849 C Street
Washington, DC
20240
United States

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

We will conduct a qualifications evaluation of applicants who supply all requested material. Qualified applicants will be rated and ranked by a panel.  Best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview.  You will be notified of the outcome after completion of the selection process

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