Land Law Examiner (Minerals)

You will serve as a Land Law Examiner (Minerals) with Bureau of Land Management. The positions available are as follows: Falls Church, VA: One position at the GS-09 or GS-11 level Boise, ID: Two positions at the GS-07, GS-09 or GS-11 level Billings, MT: One position at the GS-09 level Pay will vary based on grade level & location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Duties

Some of the major duties you will perform at the Falls Church, VA and Billings, MT locations include but are not limited to the following:

• Independently reviews and processes the full range of the most difficult and complex fluid minerals or mining law adjudicative cases that are received or referred for final examining and decision.
• Performs independent adjudication actions in areas such as geothermal resources, and oil and gas leasing
• Conducts extensive legal research into old, inactive, or infrequently used laws, rules, and regulations that conflict with other laws or policies and therefore require very precise interpretation
• Routinely provides advice and guidance to other examiners.
• Analyzes lands records, regulations, judicial decisions, Solicitor opinions and other decisions that impact minerals adjudications
• Adjudicates applications for technical accuracy and legal adequacy.
• Prepares necessary leases, permits, grants, and other documents involving appropriate provisions as to royalty and other payments, limitations and stipulations.
• Advises managers and/or Solicitors on general legal principles, precedent decisions, issues that would adversely affect fluid minerals or mining law adjudication, and the proper application of varied, different, arcane and infrequently used laws.
• Utilize data systems and applications to collect, enter, manipulate, update, and maintain data according to prescribed Bureau and program standards.

Some of the major duties you will perform at the Boise, ID location include but are not limited to the following:

• Adjudicate complex mineral casework across multiple minerals programs: Review, analyze, maintain, and make determinations on mining claims, mineral permitting and leasing cases, geothermal nominations, oil and gas actions, bond filings and associated filings; ensure compliance with FLPMA, the Mineral Leasing Act, the Geothermal Steam Act, the Mining Law of 1872 and the respective 43 CFR mineral regulations.
• Evaluate evidence and determine the legal sufficiency of mineral rights claims: Examine legal instruments, location notices, maintenance fees, affidavits of labor, and validity records; make determinations regarding forfeiture, abandonment, compliance, and continued rights.
• Prepare legally binding decisions subject to protest and appeal: Draft and issue adjudicative decisions affecting property rights, including rulings on mineral claim status, lease continuation, suspensions, assignments, terminations, expirations, and related determinations; provide clear appeal rights and ensure decisions meet defensibility requirements for IBLA review.
• Conduct comprehensive land status, title, and records reviews: Research and interpret Master Title Plats, historical case files, Control Document Index entries, and cadastral survey documents to determine surface and subsurface ownership, existing encumbrances, withdrawals, segregations, or conflicts affecting mineral adjudication.
• Coordinate with internal and external legal partners on mineral adjudication matters: Participate in adjudication coordination calls with the Office of the Solicitor and Department of Justice to ensure legal sufficiency of proposed actions and support litigation, protests, and appeals related to mineral rights.
• Provide technical guidance to BLM program staff, operators, stakeholders, and other agencies: Interpret and apply mineral laws, regulations, and policy to assist field offices, operators, landowners, members of the public and Federal/state partners; respond to inquiries regarding mineral claim status, leasing processes, geothermal leasing, and adjudication requirements.
• Maintain and update official Federal minerals records: Ensure accurate and timely entry of adjudicative actions into official systems of record; update MTPs, Cadastral records, and case files to reflect adjudication outcomes, consistent with statutory responsibilities as the official record keeper for the Federal government.
• Participate in minerals adjudication training and statewide coordination: Engage in minerals adjudication courses such as SOFIA Module 1 to advance technical competency; contribute to statewide minerals program consistency through regular participation in adjudication team meetings and statewide minerals calls.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Salary

• $50,460 - $97,087/year

Conditions of Employment

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• A financial disclosure report will be required within 30 days of appointment for the GS-09 and GS-11 position.
• You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period or 2 year trial period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest.

This probationary or trial period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/07/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:

Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

• Determining the accuracy and proper execution of applications or claims and the qualifications of applicants for legal rights as requested;
• Adjudicating routine lands, mining, or mineral leasing applications;
• Answering inquiries from the public or internal customers regarding public land laws and regulations;
• Preparing routine correspondence

You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate level education. This includes or supplemented by 12 semester hours of course work related to the administration of land laws. Examples: include course work in land surveying, cartography, land use law, real estate law, land appraising, land use planning, water rights, mining laws, or legal instrument review and interpretation. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience as listed above. You must include hours per week and transcripts.

-OR-

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grad-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field, or the required courses completed during the final two years. Note: GPA will be rounded to the one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.

To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level:

Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

• Processing and/or adjudicating basic lands and minerals cases;
• Researching and reviewing legal land descriptions and ownership status from various map and records sources;
• Using basic computer and software applications to handle data; and
• Communicating effectively with internal and external customers on routine topics.

You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

Education: Successful completion of at least a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D in a field of study such as land surveying, cartography, land use law, real estate law, land appraising, land use planning, water rights, mining laws, or legal instrument review and interpretation. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience as listed above. You must include hours per week and transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:

Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:

• Processing and adjudicating complex and unusual minerals cases;
• Researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and regulations applicable to minerals cases;
• Interpreting legal land descriptions and ownership status from various map and records sources;
• Using a variety of computer and software applications to handle data and complete work assignments; and
• Communicating effectively with a broad range of internal and external customers to resolve complex problems.

You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

Education: Successful completion of at least a PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., in a field of study such as land surveying, cartography, land use law, real estate law, land appraising, land use planning, water rights, mining laws, or legal instrument review and interpretation. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience as listed above. You must include hours per week and transcripts.

Volunteer 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 You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications Other Information Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement. Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor. The positions available are as follows: Falls Church, VA: 1 position at the GS-09 or GS-11 level Boise, ID: 2 positions at the GS-07, GS-09 or GS-11 level Billings, MT: 1 position at the GS-09 level If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive. Related Non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630). All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position. Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) -08/07/2026-unless otherwise stated.

1. Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, with dates in month-year format (include month/day/year format if needed for 52 weeks of experience), and indicate hours worked per week (or full-time). Your resume must clearly show how long you have held each grade/rank. Resumes must not exceed 2 single-sided pages and resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed. Your 2-page resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements. Resume Builder: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
2. Complete All Required Assessments.
3. Performance Appraisals and Awards: All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor. If the performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months OR no performance appraisal is available, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
4. All College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education.
5. Eligibility Documentation:
   • Current and former Federal employees must submit latest SF-50 (i.e. Promotion, Separation, Within Grade Increase (WGI)) showing tenure 1 or 2 in block 24, grade, and if applicable, an additional SF-50 showing the highest grade or promotion potential held. Time in grade will be determined by reviewing your resume and required SF-50s. If your SF-50 showing highest permanent grade held has an effective date within the past year, your resume must clearly show that you held that grade for one year. Do not submit award SF-50s.
   • Veterans Preference Documentation: Veterans eligible under VRA (GS-11 & below only), VEOA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program must submit the most recent Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions (e.g. DD-214) as listed on the SF15. If you are a Parent or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all documentation as listed on the SF15. You may request a copy of the VA letter from https://www.va.gov/records. If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active-duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
   • Public Land Corps: You must provide a copy of your signed Certificate of Non-Competitive Eligibility and clearly state in your resume time served and duties performed on an appropriate conservation project.
   • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA): If you are applying under LMWFA, you must submit ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment verifying the Position Occupied code 1-Competitive Service (block 34); AND Documentation of satisfactory performance for each period of temporary employment claimed, such as, performance evaluations, memorandum of record, whereas the supervisor(s) documented an acceptable performance level for a specified rating/employment period.
   • Special Appointing Authorities: If you are applying under a special appointing authority (i.e. Schedule A, Peace Corps, Military Spouses, etc.), you must submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility. If you fail to submit proof, you will not receive consideration. If you're eligible for an authority not listed, you are responsible for submitting documentation that's appropriate for that specific authority.
   • Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP): If you are applying under I/CTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility including a copy of the agency notice, most recent performance rating, and most recent SF-50 showing your position, grade level, and duty location. For more information visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Career Transition Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 08/07/2026 to receive consideration. Note: You will only be marked eligible for those eligibilities that you selected and provided the appropriate supporting documentation.

The application process is as follows:

1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. To PREVIEW the application questionnaire, select the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12996630
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.