Job Listing: Chief Counsel

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Idaho Falls, ID

The Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID), Office of the Chief Counsel is seeking candidates for an executive position that serves as the chief legal adviser to the Manager and Staff of DOE-ID.  As such directs and is responsible for (1) all matters of law, legal policy, legal advice and representation that arise in connection with ID functions, legal documents and legislative materials; (2) provides representation on matters in contract negotiation and relations with other Federal and state agencies and private interests; (3) defends and prosecutes claims, litigation, and administrative proceedings, where appropriate, or working in conjunction with Justice Department or counsel retained by contractors in defending or prosecuting such actions; and (4) provides advice on state and local government relations, taxation, safety and environmental laws and regulations; and interagency agreements.  Also manages and supervises the professional and administrative work of highly skilled and experienced attorneys.

OUR MISSION: DOE-ID provides management oversight for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), which is the Department of Energy lead laboratory for such initiatives as the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership nuclear energy systems, proliferation resistant fuel cycle technology and other research, development and demonstrations of nuclear energy technology.  DOE-ID also provides management oversight for the Office of Environmental Management (EM), which is responsible for the safe, cost-effective and expeditious accomplishment of environmental remediation and restoration and hazardous and nuclear waste programs involving high level radioactive waste, low level and Transuranic radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, contaminated buildings and sites and special nuclear material.

To ensure your application is complete, you are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the entire vacancy announcement using all of the tabs at the top of this vacancy announcement. Details on how to apply are listed on the ’How to Apply’ tab. 

Major Duties

The Chief Counsel for the Idaho Operations Office is an executive position that serves as the chief legal adviser to the Manager and Staff of the Department of Energy's Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID).  As such directs and is responsible for (1) all matters of law, legal policy, legal advice and representation that arise in connection with ID functions, legal documents and legislative materials; (2) provides representation on matters in contract negotiation and relations with other Federal and state agencies and private interests; (3) defends and prosecutes claims, litigation, and administrative proceedings, where appropriate, or working in conjunction with Justice Department or counsel retained by contractors in defending or prosecuting such actions; and (4) provides advice on state and local government relations, taxation, safety and environmental laws and regulations; and interagency agreements.  Also manages and supervises the professional and administrative work of highly skilled and experienced attorneys.  The Idaho Operations Office and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are developing projects that are on the leading edge of technology but have the potential for high, long-term payback in terms of national energy resource conservation, development, and management. The work is accomplished at the INL and at other federal and private sector laboratories and academic institutions facilities throughout the nation and may involve technology transfer, cooperative R&D agreements. The INL is a government-owned, contractor-operated multi-funded National Laboratory that encompasses an 890‑square mile area and employs over 5,000 contractor employees plus a subcontractor workforce. The Federal (DOE-ID) workforce has approximately 280 employees.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via one of the following:

E-mail: doeidjobs@id.doe.gov

Fax: 208-526-5419

U.S. Mail:
U.S. Department of Energy
Attn: Human Resources
1955 Fremont Avenue
MS 1240
Idaho Falls, ID 83415-1240

DOE-ID does not accept applications via the USA Jobs Online Application Process. 

No standard application form is required.  You may use your own form, Optional Form 612, Standard Form 171, a resume or other written format, provided all of the following information is included:

- The announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying;

- Your full name, mailing address with zip code, and day and evening phone numbers with area codes;

- Your social security number and your country of citizenship (under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals may compete for civil service jobs);

- The name, address, city, and state of each college/university you attended, your majors at each, the total credits earned at each (indicate whether they were semester or quarter hours), and the type/year of any degrees received and your GPA;

- Information for your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job you are applying for 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 (month and year); hours per week; the salary you received when you began the job and the salary you received when you ended the job.  Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

- Narrative statement on a separate page(s) with specific responses to the TQs/ECQs (see the qualifications tab). Failure to submit your narrative responses will negatively affect your eligibility and/or rating;

- List current job-related training courses (title and year); job-related skills; and job-related honors, awards and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not sent documents);

- Related licenses and professional certifications (current only), i.e. Certified Public Accountant (submit copy).

- A current performance appraisal (optional)

The following additional information MUST be submitted:

- Contact information to your State Bar of Record for the purpose of verifying standing and currency of membership

- College transcripts must be submitted (unofficial copies are acceptable)

- SF-50 reflecting status; current/last series, grade & step, if current of former federal employee

NOTE:  Failure to submit required information/documents may result in non-consideration OR a lower rating in the evaluation process

The following additional information is optional:  Applicant Disability, Race/National Origin and Sex Identification.

A complete application consists of all forms and information required and/or information you want considered in the evaluation of your application.  This includes copies of college transcripts, when required by the vacancy announcement, and a narrative addressing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, if you want this narrative to be considered in the evaluation process.

TO BE CONSIDERED, ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MUST BE COMPLETE AND RECEIVED IN THIS OFFICE BY 4:30 PM (MST) ON THE CUTOFF DATE. 

Any application packages or related information submitted after the filing period will not be accepted, and extensions of time to submit applications or additional information will not be granted.  In addition, application materials and supporting documentation will remain a part of the specific vacancy announcement file and will not be returned or retrieved to be used in future vacancy announcement applications. 

Other Pertinent Information (upon selection, the individual will be required to complete the following documents and/or be subject to the following conditions of employment):

- Report of Financial Disclosure

- 1 year initial/supervisory probation period

- Agreement concerning inventions, discoveries and patents

- Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment

- Obtaining an appropriate DOE security clearance:  Q clearance is required

- Access training

- Direct Deposit

- Occasional travel

Contact Information:
Scott Hinschberger

Phone: 208-526-8288

Fax: 208-526-5419

Email: doeidjobs@id.doe.gov


Or write:
Department Of Energy
1955 Fremont Avenue
MS 1240
Idaho Falls, ID 83415

US

Fax: 208-526-5419


What To Expect Next:

Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.  Notification will be made when applicant is no longer under consideration or when a selection has been made.