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Posted: January 27, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Attorney-Adviser

Environmental Protection Agency

Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Fresh

Location

Salary

$118,984 - $182,790

per year

Type

Closes

February 17, 2026More EPA jobs →

GS-13 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $88,520 - $115,079

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-12. Expert-level knowledge in field.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a government lawyer at the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, where you'll provide legal advice, conduct research, handle litigation, and help resolve environmental issues to protect communities and the planet.

It's ideal for experienced attorneys with a background in environmental or public interest law who enjoy working on complex cases and collaborating with teams.

You'll need strong research, writing, and communication skills to succeed in this office-based role.

Key Requirements

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school and active membership in a state bar
  • At least one year of specialized experience as a lawyer or judicial law clerk at state or federal level equivalent to GS-12 for GS-13
  • Strong legal research, writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills
  • Experience in public interest, government, or environmental law preferred
  • For GS-14: Comprehensive knowledge of federal environmental law and ability to resolve complex legal issues
  • Ability to perform litigation, negotiation, and policy recommendations
  • Must report to duty station in Chicago on a regular basis

Full Job Description

This position is in Region 5, Office of Regional Counsel, Muti-Media Branch II, Section 4. About Region 5.

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the educational requirements, you must meet the minimum grade-specific qualifications as described below: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as working as a lawyer or a judicial law clerk at the state or federal level, ideally in the public interest, government, or environmental law, demonstrating strong legal research, writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

To qualify for the GS-14 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level defined as working as a lawyer at the state or federal level, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of Federal environmental law and the ability to resolve complex environmental legal issues.

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. *If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience. Major Duties:

You will: Provide legal advice, perform legal research, prepare legal documentation, and provide policy recommendations. Perform the full range of litigation activities.

Draft Agency determinations, propose regulations, and Federal Register Notices. Perform negotiation, informal dispute resolution, and Region representational work.

Perform liaison and specialized team work.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.

Grow your career for the good of our planet The environmental challenges we face today are urgent.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, we need professionals like you to join our team dedicated to safe, clean, and healthy communities.

Our agency is built upon a commitment to protect human health and the environment. The work we do here changes the world.

That's why there has never been a more crucial moment to be one of the scientists, engineers, community leaders, IT specialists, communicators, administrative professionals, technicians, problem solvers, and innovators united in our mission to protect our land, air, water, and people.

Join us. Be EPA. Discover how you can apply your skills to make an impact. Explore careers and learn more about EPA at epa.gov/careers.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/27/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/27/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: EPA-U5-OAE-2026-0001