Paralegal Specialist

This position is in Region 7, Office of Regional Counsel, Superfund Branch. About Region 7: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-7-midwest.

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

*This announcement has been amended to update language in the Qualifications Section.* At the full performance level of this position, you will:

• Analyze evidence or questions that arise in the enforcement program, edit and draft correspondence, and assemble administrative records, and coordinate with the enforcement program to ensure enforcement commitments are met.
• Oversee and use complex electronic discovery databases and IT tools (e.g. Relativity, Adobe Pro, Encase, etc.)
• Act as resource for administrative and professional staff to ensure timely, accurate and efficient use of these systems.

If you are hired at a grade level lower than the full performance level (i.e., highest promotion potential level), your duties will be less complex and you will have more supervisory oversight. You may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as providing full-spectrum paralegal support to attorneys including developing, preparing, and helping to enforce, defend, and settle cases that require applying statutes, regulations, agency policies, and judicial/administrative procedures to complex fact patterns.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related; the education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

NOTE: 1 year of full-time undergraduate study is 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered 1 year of full-time study.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as full-spectrum paralegal support, including case development/ preparation and assistance with enforcement, defense, and settlement, applying governing laws, policies, and procedures to complex facts.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

• Problem Solving*
• Written Communication*
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Customer Service*
• Interpersonal Skills

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.

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 volunteer experience.

*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.