ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (GENERAL)

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Senior Attorney Advisor, Operations, Space and Intelligence Law for Commander, U.S. Space Forces - Space (S4S/CC) and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander (C/JFSCC) under the authority and direction of the S4S Staff Judge Advocate (SJA). Learn more about this agency Duties 1. Serves as a Senior Attorney Advisor for operations and provides guidance and professional oversight to legal personnel supporting S4S/CC - C/JFSCC at the discretion of the SJA in the provision of legal, strategy, and policy expertise and guidance for space operations, systems development, multinational operations, commercial integration, and international cooperation, and for Department of Defense (DoD) space operational support to the global space-faring community, to include the S4S/CC - C/JFSCC lines of operations: space object identification, spectrum characterization, on-orbit protect and defend missions, launch/re-entry warning, orbital warfare, MILSATCOM, NAVWAR and executing contingency operations. 2. As a recognized expert in a highly complex and rapidly changing field of space operations law and policy, renders legal opinions, often on matters of first-impression and vital national importance within the DoD and national security space community, on unique aspects of domestic and international Iaw, and provides them to commanders, higher headquarters, and intelligence community elements, to assist them in performing lawful military-space operations. 3. Represents and participates on behalf of S4S/CC - C/JFSCC as an active participating member of DoD and working groups tasked to investigate and make recommendations on space law and operations and cooperation of broad interest and concern to the national and international space community; including government, industry, and academia. 4. Leads research activities necessary to underwrite provision of sound legal and policy guidance in support of USSPACECOM and S4S/CC - C/JFSCC global mission of space operations, to include its, space situational awareness, offensive and defensive counter space, force enhancement, and space support mission activities. 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. A security clearance may be required Position may be subject to random drug testing Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays Shift work and emergency overtime may be required Employee must maintain current certifications 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. Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program Disclosure of Political Appointments Incentives may be authorized. This is a mission essential position. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. 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. Qualifications Required at GS-14 or GS-15 Level. The attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of three years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Level of Supervision. Attorneys performing duties in GS-15 positions are expected to perform with substantial independence, even when working on the most complex or difficult matters. 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. Knowledge of rules, procedures, policies and programs of a military legal office necessary to perform all procedural and administrative functions, 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. 2. Knowledge of laws, Congressional directives, Federal statutes, and DoD policies and processes governing classified and unclassified space operations, functions and programs, including operational law, national security law, law of armed conflict, constitutional law, international law, intelligence law, telecommunications law, espionage and space law. 3. 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. Ability to use computers for word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, database coordination and PowerPoint presentations. 4. Expert knowledge of DoD organizational structure and missions, organizational structures and operations of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, to include highly classified SAP/STO operations, functions, responsibilities and interrelationships, including Combatant Commands, Multi-National Force operations and the military Services. 5. Expert knowledge of space systems acquisition, operations, sustainment, and command and control activities, and S4S/CC - C/JFSCC protect, defend, deliver, connect missions, and executing contingency operations. 6. Skill in analyzing international and domestic law and international treaties and applying the law and relevant international standards to specific military situations, resulting in conclusions which are legally supportable by statute, case law, and implementing policy and regulations. 7. Ability to effectively engage in extensive high-level interactions with DoD, interagency, international and national military and civilian attorneys and officials on a significant number of highly complex issues involving world-wide space operations. 8. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy. 9. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key individuals/groups within and outside immediate work unit. 10. Ability to advise mid and senior level leaders, Program Executive Officers, and mission partner representatives. 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. 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. A Doctor of Law (Juris Doctor) degree from an ABA accredited law school institution is required. A Masters of Law (LL.M.) or higher degree in Air and Space Law, National Security Law, and/or Cyber Law is preferred. Additional information This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-04 equivalent to a GS-14 to GS-15. Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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.