JOB SUMMARY: This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is in Region 4, Office of Regional Counsel. About Region 4. This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized. MAJOR DUTIES: The Regional Counsel (RC) provides senior leadership to the Office of Regional Counsel (ORC) and serves as principal legal adviser to the Regional Administrator and regional divisions and offices. The RC also advises and coordinates with principles and attorneys in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) and the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on regional matters and, as such, has responsibility for providing legal advice and assistance and policy recommendations on counseling and enforcement matters involving the whole range of environmental issues handled by the EPA. The RC reports to both the Assistant Administrator (AA) for OECA and the General Counsel for technical and programmatic oversight, work prioritization, and national legal consistency. The activities of the ORC are of major importance within the Region and due to the potentially precedential effects thereof, may be of nationwide importance. These activities may have a significant influence on the protection and enhancement of the Nation’s environment. Specific duties of this position may include, but are not limited to: Reviewing and resolving the legal questions which arise under all regulations, lawsuits, enforcement actions, executive orders, and other administrative actions involving major federal statutes affecting the Agency programs. Providing general legal advice and policy recommendations regarding Regional programs, operations, and activities. Providing legal advice and policy recommendations on civil judicial and administrative enforcement matters arising under EPA enforcement programs. Providing legal advice and policy recommendations to managers of Agency financial assistance programs. Drafting and reviewing final Agency determinations, proposed and final regulations, notices, and such other documents to be published in the Federal Register. Supervising and coordinating the Region's participation in defensive and enforcement litigation. Representing the Region in its dealings with outside parties. Overseeing the Region’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, regulations, policies, and Executive Orders. Representing the Region as counsel in personnel actions brought against the Agency. Serving as the hearing officer in hearing and deciding matters brought before the Agency. Communicating and coordinating with the legal representatives of state agencies administering EPA programs within the Region. Serving as a liaison between the Region and OECA and OGC. Serving as a national legal expert in one or more major subject matter areas, as tasked by the General Counsel or the AA for OECA, Directing and managing the activities, staff, and resources assigned to the Office. Serving as the Region’s Deputy Ethics Official. As an Agency senior leader, the incumbent will view policy and personnel decisions through both an Environmental Justice (EJ) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) lens to support the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, grants, and policies regardless of race, color, national origin, or income. This includes consideration of the effect of their work on communities with environmental justice concerns. Engagement with impacted communities in decisions, integrating equity and justice and compliance with all civil rights requirements, will be taken into policy considerations and program implementation to ensure that EPA achieves its mission for all communities. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
