Go Back
This position is in the Investigations and Hearings Division (IHD), Enforcement Bureau (EB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. Relocation expenses will not be paid. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.
Duties
The incumbent serves as an attorney working primarily to support the Commission’s efforts to enforce the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules across a wide range of industries regulated by Commission. The incumbent is responsible for providing authoritative legal advice to the Division Chief, Deputy Division Chief, and other supervisors concerning highly complex and controversial, enforcement issues including, but not limited to, those impacting broadcast, cable, satellite and telecommunications services and administrative hearings matters.
The incumbent works on highly complex legal investigations. These investigations typically also involve complicated factual scenarios where clear legal precedents may not be readily available or apparent. These matters are often characterized by one or more of the following: (1) extremely complex, difficult issues requiring a high order of legal endeavor with the incumbent often having to balance conflicting interests; (2) matters that can have an important impact on major industry parties whose economic position affects major private and public interests; (3) matters of intense public interest and impact. The incumbent applies rigorous critical thinking and analysis skills to solve problems, make recommendations to supervisors, and executes tasks needed to complete investigations and issue legal actions. Decisions about legal conclusions based upon the facts and the relevant legal authorities are made in conjunction with the supervisor, with the incumbent playing a critical role in (1) identifying, (2) researching, and (3) communicating accurate, timely, and appropriately detailed information to support well-reasoned legal conclusions and informed decision-making at all levels.
In carrying out his or her duties, the incumbent (1) makes findings of fact based on investigations; (2) researches applicable law and policy; (3) prepares charging documents (Notices of Apparent Liability, Citations) and final orders (Forfeiture Orders) for Commission approval; (4) negotiates settlements with targets of Division investigations where appropriate and; (5) devises and implements policies to advance the Commission's enforcement goals and objectives and (6) participates in administrative hearings matters.
The incumbent is responsible for the proper interpretation of the Communications Act, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the Commission's rules, regulations, and policies, including, but not limited to those impacting broadcast, cable, satellite and telecommunications services. The incumbent therefore keeps abreast of legal developments affecting enforcement issues and broadcast and/or telecommunications regulatory matters by reviewing court and Commission decisions, professional publications and trade press, relevant Congressional actions, and regulations of other agencies.
Salary- $163,964 - $191,900/year
- FCC Employees Only
- Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
- Bar Membership documentation required upon selection
- Transcripts required upon selection
- Financial Disclosure may be required
- Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
Currently be employed in the Federal Communications Commission in positions serving under career, career conditional, or excepted service (Schedule A appointments under authority 213.3102(d)-Attorneys) appointments.
SF-50 Required: ALL FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
QualificationsApplicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements and the specialized experience requirements outlined below.
A. Education
You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions.
Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M.
If transcripts are not submitted at the time of application, a copy of the transcript must be submitted at the time of selection.
AND
B. Specialized Experience
GS-15
Applicants must possess at least four years of professional law experience and at least one year must be equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal Service. For this position, examples of specialized experience includes:
- Providing legal advice and guidance on federal statutes, rules, and regulations relating to providers of communications and/or telecommunications services;
- Preparing comprehensive legal documents including reviewing and editing documents drafted by others;
- Analyzing, interpreting, and presenting findings and recommendations on complex legal issues;
- Experience with administrative hearings matters
- Making oral presentations, communicating legal research results, and defending legal positions at all levels of authority;
- Interacting with individuals at all levels of authority.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.
Education Refer to information outlined under the "Qualifications" subheading. Other InformationEEO Policy Statement
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Veterans Information
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
*NOTE-This position is in the bargaining unit. The exclusive representative is NTEU Chapter 209.
Required Documents
ALL SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
SF-50 Required: ALL FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
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.
To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://fcc.usajobs.gov
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page.
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts.
BenefitsA 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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Dental & Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Long-Term Care Insurance
Holidays and Leave
Retirement
Thrift Savings Plan
Transit Benefit
Alternative Work Schedule
Telecommuting
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.
