Leading the Future of Energy Law: General Counsel at WAPA
The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is searching for a premier legal mind to fill the role of General Counsel and Senior Vice President. This is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of federal power delivery, overseeing legal operations for a network that fuels 40 million Americans across 15 states. If you possess the executive acumen to navigate complex energy regulations and the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team of professionals, this role offers a platform like no other.
Job Responsibilities
As the General Counsel and Senior Vice President, your influence will span the entire organization. Key responsibilities include:
- Executive Leadership: Directing the planning and administration of all WAPA legal services.
- Regulatory Strategy: Providing expert counsel on wholesale electricity business, FERC regulations, and environmental compliance.
- Operations Oversight: Managing complex construction contracts, property acquisitions, and labor relations.
- Stakeholder Relations: Maintaining high-level relationships with federal agencies, utility providers, and public interest groups.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $199,172 - $228,000 |
| Location | Lakewood, Colorado |
| Security Clearance | Q Access Authorization |
| Term | Career SES |
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active, good-standing Bar membership and a professional law degree. You must demonstrate excellence in both Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). A Q-level security clearance is required, and candidates must be prepared for potential travel and background vetting.
Benefits
- SES-level compensation and benefits.
- Access to comprehensive health and insurance programs.
- Professional development for career executives.
- The opportunity to drive major initiatives in the national energy landscape.
Application Tips
To stand out, your two-page resume must be highly surgical. Focus on results-oriented accomplishments. Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Ensure your experience clearly maps to the five mandatory ECQs: Leading People, Leading Change, Results Driven, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions.
This is more than a legal role; it is a leadership position that defines how the U.S. delivers power to its citizens. If you are ready to apply your expertise to a critical mission, prepare your two-page resume and submit your application to the Department of Energy today.
Why This General Counsel And Senior Vice President Job Matters
Lead the legal strategy for a massive, multi-state power transmission network—shape the future of energy infrastructure as General Counsel for the Western Area Power Administration.
General Counsel And Senior Vice President Job Overview
The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is seeking a visionary and experienced General Counsel and Senior Vice President to lead its comprehensive legal functions. This critical leadership role provides high-level guidance on complex issues ranging from federal electricity regulations and FERC compliance to large-scale construction contracts and labor relations. Operating within the Department of Energy, the successful candidate will manage a team of attorneys and interface with top-level stakeholders to ensure WAPA’s mission—delivering reliable hydropower to over 40 million Americans—is executed with excellence, legal integrity, and strategic foresight.
Requirements for General Counsel And Senior Vice President
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Active member in good standing of the Bar (State, Territory, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico)
- Professional law degree (LLB or JD) from an ABA-accredited institution
- Commitment to the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Q Access Authorization security clearance
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959
- Willingness to undergo pre-employment and random drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for General Counsel And Senior Vice President
- Current member of the Senior Executive Service (SES)
- Certified graduate of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP)
- Proven experience in electric utility operations law, specifically Federal Power Act and FERC regulations
- Expertise in environmental compliance, construction contracting, and real property management
- Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise a full-service legal organization
- Expertise in executive strategy, budget management, and operational efficiency
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Senior Executive Service compensation package
- ✓Federal health and retirement benefit programs
- ✓Comprehensive life and long-term care insurance options
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and executive training
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy
- ✓Mission-driven work with significant national impact
💡 How to Apply General Counsel And Senior Vice President Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Counsel And Senior Vice President Job
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages (minimum 10-point font) outlining your ECQ and TQ accomplishments.
- Ensure all educational transcripts are ready for upload.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the application process.
- Upload the required resume and supplemental documents, including SF-50 if applicable.
- Complete the assessment questionnaire within the portal.
- Submit your final package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Do not use the standard USAJOBS Resume Builder; it is not recommended for this specific executive opening.
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will not be reviewed.
- Use concrete examples for both Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Verify that your Bar membership is current and active.
- Submit early to account for the document virus scan process which may take several hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applicable to this SES position?
No, veterans' preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
What happens if I exceed the two-page resume limit?
Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page two and may lead to disqualification.
Do I need to submit a separate narrative for ECQs?
No, separate narratives are not accepted. All ECQs and TQs must be integrated into your two-page resume.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Please consult the agency policy regarding current hiring incentives, as they may be authorized based on funding and agency needs.
What is the security clearance level?
The position is designated as Critical-Sensitive, requiring Q Access Authorization.
Job from Western Area Power Administration
The Western Area Power Administration, part of the Department of Energy, is a cornerstone of the American power grid. WAPA markets and transmits clean, renewable hydropower across a vast high-voltage network. By partnering with municipalities, public power cooperatives, and other entities, WAPA ensures energy reliability across the central and western United States.