Advance Your Legal Career: Senior Attorney Advisor at PHMSA
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is currently seeking a highly experienced legal professional to serve as a Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official). This role is critical to the mission of the Department of Transportation (DOT), focusing on ensuring that our nation's pipeline and hazardous materials transportation systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with federal regulations. If you are a seasoned attorney with a background in litigation and administrative law, this position offers a unique chance to impact public policy and national safety.
Job Responsibilities
As a Presiding Official, your day-to-day work will involve:
- Managing Enforcement Cases: Presiding over informal administrative hearings and conducting pre-hearing conferences.
- Decision Drafting: Authoring draft decisions that resolve complex issues of fact and law regarding operator compliance.
- Legal Research: Interpreting statutes and agency precedents to guide enforcement actions.
- Collaboration: Providing high-level legal advice to senior leadership and the Associate Administrator.
Comparison: Competitive vs. Excepted Service
| Feature | Competitive Service | Excepted Service |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Process | Standardized ranking | Alternative hiring procedures |
| Veterans' Preference | Formally applied | Positive factor (for attorneys) |
| Flexibility | Highly regulated | Greater agency discretion |
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Possession of a law degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Minimum of 48 months of professional legal experience.
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year. Beyond the salary, employees of the Department of Transportation gain access to the full suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous paid time off.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email to the address provided by the agency. Ensure your application includes a two-page resume, transcripts, and proof of bar membership. The hiring team reviews applications on a monthly basis, so applying early is highly recommended.
This role represents an excellent opportunity for a dedicated attorney to apply their skills in a high-stakes, public-service environment. With a focus on safety and regulatory integrity, the Senior Attorney Advisor position is more than just a job—it is a commitment to the future of American infrastructure.
Why This Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official) Job Matters
Step into a pivotal role as a Senior Attorney Advisor and shape the future of pipeline and hazardous materials safety enforcement at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official) Job Overview
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official) to join the Office of the Chief Counsel. This high-impact, permanent position requires an expert in administrative law to oversee enforcement proceedings, conduct hearings, and provide critical legal counsel on matters affecting public safety and the environment. You will play a key role in ensuring regulatory compliance and justice within the nation's transportation infrastructure.
Requirements for Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Professional law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with the bar of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia
- At least 4 years (48 months) of professional attorney experience
- Successful completion of a background security investigation
- Registration for Selective Service (if applicable)
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official)
- Extensive experience in pipeline safety, administrative, enforcement, and litigation law
- Proven track record of presiding over administrative hearings and pre-hearing conferences
- High-level expertise in drafting complex legal decisions, opinions, and briefs
- Demonstrated ability to brief senior executives and provide high-level legal counsel
- Expertise in environmental law and regulatory interpretation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Retirement Savings Plan (FERS)
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays and Leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
- ✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Senior Attorney Advisor (Presiding Official) Job
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation: law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership.
- Draft a professional cover letter specifically referencing the Presiding Official vacancy.
- Email your completed application package to the designated PHMSA hiring email address.
- Monitor your status through the official federal portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your employment history, including dates, hours worked, and job series/grade if previously employed by the federal government.
- Focus your writing sample and resume on your litigation and hearing-presiding experience to match the specific needs of this role.
- Verify that your application is submitted before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
The position is located in Washington, D.C. While it is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote position.
What is the nature of the hiring process?
This is an Excepted Service position. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and top candidates are referred to the selecting official for potential interviews periodically throughout the announcement period.
Job from Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA is tasked with the vital responsibility of protecting people and the environment from the risks inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials. The agency prides itself on a culture of safety, innovation, and operational excellence. As a member of the Chief Counsel’s staff, you will be at the forefront of regulatory enforcement.