Summary The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked within the top 5 mid-size agencies through the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places to Work in the Federal Government Rankings! This Attorney Adviser position is located in the Office of Enforcement and Regulatory Accounting (OERA). For more information visit: OERA Responsibilities As an Attorney Adviser (Public Utilities), some of your typical work assignments may include: Drafting orders, rulemakings and associated memoranda and advising the Commission on matters pertaining to enforcement and compliance. Preparing a finished product for submission to the Commission, in conjunction with staff members from other program offices as appropriate; and making oral presentations to the Commission or senior officials within the Commission. Establishing a good working relationship with representatives of electric utilities and natural gas and oil pipeline companies to obtain information. Participating as a staff representative at settlement or technical conferences or industry meetings to resolve complex issues. Independently or in multi-disciplinary teams: (a) evaluating facts, and analyzing legal pleadings or briefs, data or other relevant materials; marshals' evidence and arguments to support conclusions and recommendations Conferring with regulated company representatives on natural gas/oil and electric industry related issues. Explaining complex regulatory policies, Commission rules, regulations, precedents and practices for the purpose of resolving legal issues, discussing industry trends, exchanging information, and avoiding the need for formal hearings or to narrow the issues when hearings are necessary. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university. Current, active bar membership required. A two-year trial period may be required. This is a bargaining unit position (AFGE Local 421). Generally, male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service. This position has an education requirement you must submit transcripts. If hired, you may be required to divest certain energy-related securities. A background investigation is required. Maximum of 2 page resume. You must meet all eligibility and qualification (experience and/or education) requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications You must meet the following basic requirements, by the closing date of this announcement: (1) hold a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited college or university and (2) be a current, active bar member in good standing. In addition, to the minimum requirements above, you must meet the following qualifications for each grade level by the closing date of this announcement: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as: applies relevant experience and professional knowledge to case assignments that contain difficult legal or factual questions; knowledge of relevant statutes, regulations and policies pertaining to the agency; independently manages caseload and completes activities within established schedules with limited supervision. 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 any volunteer experience. Please do not cut and paste the position description, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Education This position has a basic education requirement listed under the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Additional Information Our employees ranked FERC as a top 5 mid-size agency in Effective Leadership according to the Partnership for Public Service's Best Places to Work in the Federal Government! In addition, FERC was also ranked #1 in Work-Life Balance and we are proud to offer telework and workplace flexibilities in accordance with agency policy. The duty location of this position is Washington, DC. Agency employees are eligible for telework and other workplace flexibilities. Telework days and waiting periods for eligibility are determined when an employee enters on duty. If selected for this position, you will be required to: Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for Federal employment. Have your Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choice. Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S. FERC also participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). For more information about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. Attend a mandatory ethics training. We are governed by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Standards of Conduct, the criminal conflict of interest statutes, and FERC's supplemental ethics regulation, which specifically prohibits FERC employees from holding certain energy-related securities. To comply with these regulations and statutes, divestiture of at least some energy securities is likely to be required after you begin employment. See 5 C.F.R. 2634-41; 18 U.S.C. 201-208; 5 C.F.R. 3401. If selected, you may also be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of appointment. Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
