Become a Law Librarian for the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expanding its legal support teams within the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). We are looking for highly skilled Law Librarians to join our professional staff. This role is ideal for information science experts who possess a strong foundation in legal research and a desire to contribute to the mission of one of the nation's most vital security agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As a Law Librarian, you will be more than just a curator of books. You will be a vital research partner for legal counsel. Key duties include:
- Reference and Research: Assisting attorneys with complex research queries and compiling legislative histories.
- Technological Leadership: Training staff on the latest information technology and legal reference databases.
- Content Management: Maintaining internal resources via platforms like SharePoint.
- Strategic Budgeting: Helping manage the library budget and preparing budget requests to ensure resource availability.
Requirements
This position requires a unique blend of librarianship and legal training. To qualify, you must possess:
- A background in library science (graduate study or equivalent combination of experience).
- Specialized experience at the GS-12 level equivalent to the duties described.
- Specific legal training (24 semester hours in law or equivalent experience).
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Qualification Type | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Library Experience | Graduate study or 5 years of combined education/training/experience |
| Law Specialization | 24 semester hours of legal study OR 4 years of law-related experience |
| Professional Level | GS-13 (Requires 1 year of specialized experience at GS-12 level) |
Salary Overview
The GS-13 position offers a competitive salary range of $90,925 to $118,204 per year, depending on locality pay adjustments based on your selected duty location.
Benefits
Employees at DHS enjoy a wide array of federal benefits, including:
- Extensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employee Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Flexible work schedules and telework options.
- Potential for student loan repayment and professional development support.
Application Tips
To stand out during the review process, ensure your resume is detailed. Clearly define your contributions in previous roles, focusing on legal research and information management. Use the USAJOBS "Track My Application" feature to keep updated on your assessment status.
If you are ready to combine your passion for research with a mission-critical role in public service, apply today. The OPLA team looks forward to receiving your application and exploring how your skills can support our legal objectives.
Why This Librarian (Law) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career at the intersection of law and information science with the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
Librarian (Law) Job Overview
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking dedicated legal research professionals to join our team as Law Librarians. As a GS-13 Librarian (Law), you will serve as a critical information resource, providing expert research support and navigating complex legal documentation to assist our legal teams across various locations nationwide.
Requirements for Librarian (Law)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Minimum one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent
- Completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal study in an accredited law school OR equivalent law-related experience
- Must meet basic education requirements for professional librarianship (graduate study in library science or relevant experience combination)
- Ability to pass a security background investigation and pre-employment drug screening
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Preferred Qualifications for Librarian (Law)
- Advanced experience in compiling complex legislative histories
- Expertise in current library technologies and digital resource management
- Proficiency in SharePoint and content management for internal outreach
- Strong background in managing library budgets and resource procurement
- Demonstrated ability to train legal staff on research databases and new information tools
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment incentives
- ✓Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Librarian (Law) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Librarian (Law) Job
- Submit a detailed resume highlighting relevant job experience with specific dates and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online application via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire online assessment when prompted.
- Provide academic transcripts verifying all education requirements.
- Attach supporting documentation such as DD-214 for veterans or SF-50s for current federal employees.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Do not simply copy and paste duties from the job announcement into your resume; provide specific, unique examples of how you have performed those duties.
- Ensure your resume includes start and end dates (month/year) for every role to ensure your experience is calculated accurately.
- Review the assessment link early to understand the competencies measured.
- Submit your application and required documents well in advance of the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of an ICE Law Librarian?
The focus is to provide high-level research and reference services, manage legal library resources, and train OPLA staff on utilizing information technologies effectively.
Is a law degree required for this position?
While you must have legal training or experience (24 semester hours of legal study or equivalent experience), a full law degree is not strictly listed as the only pathway; however, you must meet the Law Specialization Requirement as stated.
Can I apply for multiple locations?
This position covers multiple locations. Ensure your application materials demonstrate your interest and qualifications for the role regardless of the specific duty station.
Is security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Is this role telework eligible?
Please refer to the specific duty location and agency guidelines, as eligibility can vary by role and location.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the principal investigative arm of DHS and ranks as the second-largest investigative agency in the federal government. With over 20,000 employees globally, ICE plays a critical role in enforcing immigration laws and protecting our borders. Working with OPLA means you are at the heart of the legal machinery that supports these national initiatives.