Become a Law Librarian with the Department of Homeland Security

Are you a dedicated library and information professional with a background in legal research? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are currently hiring Law Librarians to join the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). This is a unique opportunity to provide essential research services that support the core legal missions of one of the nation's most critical federal agencies.

Job Responsibilities

As a Law Librarian at the GS-12 level, your role is pivotal to the success of OPLA staff. You will:

Provide high-level reference and research support, guiding users through complex statutes, case law, and regulations.
Curate legislative histories and manage internal legal resource databases.
Design and conduct training sessions on library technology for OPLA employees.
Manage and update library content via platforms like SharePoint.
Assist in fiscal oversight, including budget maintenance and preparing resource requests.
Partner with other federal agencies to share resources and maximize information access.

Requirements

You must meet several specific criteria to qualify for this role. These include foundational library science education and specific legal knowledge.

Requirement Type	Criteria
Educational Foundation	1 full year of graduate library science or 5 years of equivalent experience
Experience Level	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11
Legal Specialization	24 semester hours of law study or 4 years of law-related experience
Security Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position ranges from $76,463 to $99,404, with locality pay adjustments applied based on your specific duty station. Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
Participation in the federal retirement system and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid holidays, personal leave, and wellness initiatives.
Opportunities for student loan repayment and professional development.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this, or you will not be considered.
Avoid Copy-Paste: Do not copy duty descriptions from the job posting. Tailor your resume to describe your specific achievements.
Use the Resource Center: Utilize the USA Hire portal training resources to prepare for the assessment component.

If you have the research expertise and the drive to support federal legal operations, this Law Librarian role offers an unparalleled career path. Apply before the deadline to contribute to the DHS mission of national security and excellence.

Why This Law Librarian Job Matters

Transform the future of legal research and information management at the Department of Homeland Security as a Law Librarian.

Law Librarian Job Overview

The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking skilled Law Librarians to join their team across multiple nationwide locations. In this vital role, you will facilitate access to complex legal information, manage digital resources, and provide essential research support to legal professionals safeguarding national security. If you have a passion for legal informatics, research guidance, and library technology, this is your opportunity to serve at the forefront of federal law enforcement.

Requirements for Law Librarian

Completion of at least one full academic year of graduate study in library science from an accredited institution, OR a total of at least five years of combined college education, training, and experience in librarianship.
At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (or equivalent) in legal research and reference support.
Specific Law Specialization: Completion of 24 semester hours of legal study, or four years of law-related experience involving research, analysis, and legal terminology, or a combination thereof.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must undergo and maintain a Secret-level security clearance and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Submit a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Law Librarian

Experience developing research guides and instructional materials for legal professionals.
Proficiency in utilizing SharePoint for content management and library organization.
Strong background in managing digital legal reference databases and library budgets.
Demonstrated ability to foster resource-sharing partnerships across government agencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
✓Comprehensive federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
✓Flexible spending accounts and paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and tuition reimbursement.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework options (where applicable).
✓Access to wellness programs and fitness centers.

💡 How to Apply Law Librarian Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Law Librarian Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details on the official portal.
Prepare a two-page resume highlighting specialized legal research experience.
Collect required documentation, including academic transcripts and professional certificates.
Access the application portal through your USAJOBS account to complete the online questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within the provided timeframe.
Monitor your status and notifications via your application dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; excess length may disqualify you.
Be specific and concrete; avoid copying duty descriptions from the job announcement into your resume.
Use the USA Hire resource center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format before beginning.
Check your email frequently for time-sensitive instructions regarding the USA Hire testing phase.
Double-check all uploaded documents for legibility before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of security clearance is required for this position?

The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance, which involves a background investigation regarding your financial and personal history.

Is telework available for the Law Librarian role?

While the position is generally on-site, the agency offers flexible work arrangements, including potential telework, dependent on specific office requirements and managerial approval.

How is the salary range determined for this position?

The base salary is provided in the announcement, but it is adjusted based on the specific duty location's locality pay table.

What is the promotion potential?

*A: This position has a promotion potential to the GS-13 level, subject to performance and agency need.*

Are there multiple locations available?

*A: Yes, this position is open in various locations nationwide, including major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. area offices.*

Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement

ICE is the principal investigative arm of the DHS, responsible for protecting the nation from cross-border crime and ensuring public safety through smart immigration enforcement. Within this agency, OPLA serves as the legal backbone, providing professional legal counsel and research capabilities. By joining this team, you become part of a massive, dynamic organization dedicated to security, integrity, and excellence.