Attorney Advisor (General)

This position is located in US Department of Agriculture, Office of the General Counsel. The primary purpose of the position is to provide professional legal services to major components of USDA and its agencies. This is an open-continuous announcement with an initial cut-off date of 11/21/2026 and then every month thereafter. Please see the "How to Apply" section.

Provides legal advice on management of National Forest System lands in accordance with federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Wilderness Act, Administrative Procedure Act and more.

Works closely with the Department of Justice on affirmative and defensive Forest Service litigation in federal courts.

Drafts and reviews and revises contracts, permits, lease agreements, memoranda, and other forms of agreements.

Represents the Forest Service before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Analyzes, resolves and refers for litigation Forest Service affirmative claims for damages arising from breaches of contract, statutory violations and negligence, including with respect to wildfire.

Reviews claims, evidence, and agency recommendations and adjudicates administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Advises supervisors and OGC senior leadership as appropriate, including with respect to litigation decisions, settlements and appeals.

A more extensive list of duties at the full performance level of GS-14 are provided below.