ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (Investigative Counsel)

Environmental Protection Agency; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Federal employee benefits

Job summary

Environmental Protection Agency seeks an attorney for the Office of Inspector General in Denver. This federal role requires legal excellence and independent judgment to advance investigations, audits, and enforcement activities.

Qualified candidates will hold a JD, be a current bar member, and have substantial post‑JD litigation or investigative experience, with familiarity in whistleblower rights and federal law.

Qualifications

• Must have a JD/LL.B. from an accredited law school.
• Current bar license in a U.S. state, territory, DC, or Puerto Rico.
• Minimum 4 years post‑JD experience with at least 2 years as litigator or investigative attorney.

Responsibilities

• Advise on matters involving whistleblower retaliation and protections within the federal system.
• Support investigations and legal analysis for the Office of Inspector General.

Skills

Litigation experience

Federal law knowledge

Investigative experience

Whistleblower law understanding

Education

J.D. or LL.B. from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

Legal research tools (Westlaw/LEXIS)

Job description

This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General. The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. We consist of auditors, program analysts, investigators, and others with extensive expertise. Although we are a part of EPA, Congress provides us with our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence.

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

Applicants must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D.; and (2) a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. If selected, an official law school transcript and proof of an active bar membership will be required.

AND You may qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of 4 years post-JD experience engaged in the active practice of law and at least 2 years of experience as a litigator (in civil or criminal cases) or investigative attorney, or other relevant experience. Knowledge of or experience interpreting and applying federal laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions involving whistleblower retaliation and/or whistleblower rights and protections within the federal system is preferred but not required.

Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

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.

Applicants must meet the qualifications for this position within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement.