Summary The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes. The Natural Resources Section seeks experienced litigators in Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado. Responsibilities Much of our work involve challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act or the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. NRS has a dynamic practice with a diverse docket and attorneys may choose to focus on brief writing or trial practice or both. On any given day, the Section's attorneys handle a vast portfolio of cases involving: The stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; The balanced use of federal natural resources for varied uses, including mineral extraction, conservation, preservation, recreation, and commercial uses; Vital federal programs ranging from national energy policy to nuclear materials management to military preparedness; Original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes in the western part of the country; Real property claims arising under the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which involve issues such as military readiness, transportation infrastructure, and flood control; and The United States' trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes. Because of the diverse nature of our docket, the ideal candidate should be comfortable having primary or sole responsibility in multiple complex cases, and have demonstrated and substantial experience in civil litigation, including some combination of discovery, working with experts, drafting substantive briefs, engaging in negotiations and mediations, appearing in court to argue motions, and going to trial. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly. Successful candidates will be intellectually curious, driven, and possess the ability to harness technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. Creative thinking and talent in problem-solving -- whether in a litigation or settlement @context -- are critical. Collegiality is fundamental to our Section. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working collaboratively with other attorneys, learning from Section veterans, and providing support and mentorship to less experienced attorneys. On a day-to-day basis, our attorneys address case management issues, negotiate with opposing counsel, write motions and briefs, handle discovery, take and defend depositions, present oral arguments, and conduct trials. Our attorneys work closely with both attorneys and program staff at our client agencies, as well as with expert witnesses retained to offer opinions in our litigation. In staffing our cases, we strive to create work opportunities for our attorneys that allow them to constantly learn and grow by providing new challenges. We provide new attorneys with robust skills-based and substantive training. We also have exceptionally talented attorneys who are generous with their time to mentor. The group of paralegals and legal assistants we have are valuable resources, offering expert help. Overall, the Section cultivates an atmosphere of respect among colleagues who work together to advocate on behalf of the United States. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be May 14, 2026. The second cut-off date will be on the closing date of June 4, 2026. Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below: At least 1 year of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level. At least 1.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level. At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level. At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of Fifth Amendment takings, natural resource law, or Indian law is a plus but not a requirement. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities. Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is: Washington DC: GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142) GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322) GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093) GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200) Denver, CO: GS-12 ($ 99,800 - $129,742) GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280) GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316) GS-15 ($164,956 -$197,200) YOUR RESUME´ MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Education All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veteran preference (VP), you should indicate the @type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your resume. In order to determine your eligibility, you can find additional information at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide/. To verify your veteran preference entitlement, submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214; official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. Schedule A: DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. DOJ also encourages eligible Schedule A applicants to submit their resumes to resume@benderconsult.com, and reference "Federal Career Opportunities" in the subject line. Additional information is found at:http://www.benderconsult.com 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. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Please Note: Additional candidates may be selected if more positions become available in the Division within 90 days after HR office issues the certificate of eligibles.
