Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the civilian attorney advisor for International and Operations Law, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command and Headquarters, United States Northern Command (HQ NORAD and USNORTHCOM/JA), advising on a wide range of highly political and newly emerging legal issues concerning tile international and operations law aspects of Homeland Defense/Homeland Security.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens (U.S. citizenship required at time of application).
Duties
- International Law. Serves as legal advisor for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate with responsibilities for legal and policy guidance on NORAD and USNORTHCOM international missions within the Commands' area of interest/area of responsibility.
- Operations Law. Serves as legal advisor for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate with worldwide responsibilities for legal and policy guidance on NORAD and USNORTHCOM military operations, including Special Operations Command North along with special access and compartmented information programs. Provides operational law advice for land, air and maritime missions at the local, state, federal and international levels.
- Information Operations/Computer Network Operations: Drafts, analyzes, and interprets legislation, executive orders, directives and regulations governing the operations, organization, and oversight of the computer network operations community and DoD elements thereof, including cyber operations.
- Intelligence Law. As backup to the attorney assigned primary responsibility for intelligence law, analyzes and interprets legislation executive orders directives and regulations governing the operations, organization, and oversight of the intelligence community and DoD elements thereof. Conducts independent coordination with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and is included as part of the intelligence asset support function.
- Administrative Law and Ethics. As backup to the attorney assigned primary responsibility for administrative law and ethics, provides legal advice and guidance to the NORAD & USNORTHCOM staffs in the areas of administrative law and ethics to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations controlling the administration of the Commands and the ethical climate therein.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
- Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans’ preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
- Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
- Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof on your resume
- This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmental Information clearance as a condition of employment
- To meet deadlines imposed by the need for resolutions to urgent legal problems involving national security and fluid real-life situations, more than a 40-hour work week will frequently be required
- Frequent TDY travel may be required, both scheduled and non-scheduled
- This is a TERM Position. NTE 13 Months from date of EOD
Qualifications
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
- In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. A law degree from an ABA accredited law school, admission to and a member in good standing of the Bar of a State or the District of Columbia. Required to disclose any pending ethics or other judicial or miscellaneous allegations under review, including any adverse findings by a state bar or disciplinary committee and must consent to provide a letter for each state where admitted demonstrating good standing. Advanced professional degree (Master of Laws, LL.M) in international law or a comparable discipline and/or experience in international law, government/military administrative law, operations law, intelligence law, and/or computer network operations, cyber law, and information operations law are desirable.
2. A thorough and comprehensive knowledge of international law, operational law, computer network/information operations law, and administrative law. Comprehensive knowledge of national security, strategy and structure; legal basis of military operations and civilian protection in military operations; operations plans and orders; intelligence law aspects of operations; and the legal aspects of deployments, special operations, and human rights. Recent and significant experience (5 years relevant work experience within the past 7 years of practice) in these areas is highly preferred.
3. Incumbent must be familiar with the policies and procedures of DoD and have a working understanding of the Interagency process. Skill in devising negotiating strategies, and then implementing those strategies in negotiations with senior attorneys or officials at the international, federal, state, and local levels, in both the public and private sectors. Ability to prepare articulate and legally sound legislative change proposals. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
4. Knowledge of rules, procedures, policies, and programs of a military legal office necessary to perform the procedural and administrative work of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, such as preparing and editing legal documents and administrative correspondence, maintaining files and records, and assembling information for various legal documents and reports. Prior military law office experience is preferred. Ability to use computers for word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and power point presentations.
5. Ability to effectively engage in extensive high-level interactions with international and national military and civilian officials (foreign, federal, state, local and National Guard) on a significant number of highly complex issues affecting all countries in the USNORTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), Area of Operations (AOO), as well as all 50 states and every US territory or possession in the AOR. Knowledge of theories, principles, and techniques of legal research, familiarity with general legal resource materials including those from electronic and Internet media, and proficiency in the use of such knowledge.
6. Ability to interpret and apply statutory, regulatory, and procedural requirements to unusually difficult and complicated issues. In addition, ability to interpret and apply historical and current case law reflecting the judicial philosophy used in the interpretation and application of the law to a given set of facts and circumstances that may be highly complex and/or a case of first impression. Skill in analyzing international and domestic law and applying the law to specific federal situations, resulting in a conclusion which is legally supportable by statute and/or case law and implementing regulations.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional Conditions of Employment:
- Required to disclose any pending ethics or other judicial or miscellaneous allegations under review, including any adverse findings by a state bar or disciplinary committee and must consent to provide a letter from each state where admitted in order to demonstrate good standing.
- This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
- During crisis/contingency operations, incumbent may be required to work 12-hour shifts on a continuous 24/7 basis, in the crowded environment of command operations centers, including duty inside Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. Additionally, the incumbent must be prepared to deploy or go on temporary duty on short notice.
- YA002 = Eligible for situational telework only, including Ad hoc, Emergency, or OPM prescribed "Unscheduled" Telework. This eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. A civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.
Education
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Applications who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
- Online Application: Questionnaire
- Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
- License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
- Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
- Branch of Armed Forces
- Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
- Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
- Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
- Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
- Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
- Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.)
NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/08/2024
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12396442
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."
- It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
- If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
- For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
- Ensure your resume contains your full name.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Optional Documents: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Next steps
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
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