Become an Attorney Advisor at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in Washington, D.C. If you are passionate about national security, public safety, and environmental protection, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact how America handles energy and hazardous material transportation.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, your responsibilities will vary depending on your assigned division:
- Pipeline Safety Law: Enforcing compliance, pursuing civil penalties, and drafting emergency orders.
- Hazardous Materials Safety: Managing national policy, issuing special permits, and facilitating international safety harmonization.
- Regulatory Affairs: Reviewing rulemaking documents to ensure legal sufficiency and policy alignment.
- General Law: Managing federal contracts, grants, employment law, and ethical compliance.
Requirements
To be considered for these permanent positions, you must:
- Hold a valid J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Be a current member in good standing of the bar.
- Submit a two-page maximum resume.
Grade Qualification Table
| Grade | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Law degree and active bar status |
| GS-12 | 1+ year of professional attorney experience |
| GS-13 | 2+ years of professional attorney experience (or 1 year + LL.M.) |
| GS-14 | 3+ years of professional attorney experience |
| GS-15 | 4+ years of professional attorney experience |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive federal salary range of $85,447 to $197,200 per year. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
Ensure your application package is complete. Because the agency strictly follows the two-page resume rule, prioritize your most relevant legal achievements. Verify that all supporting documents, including transcripts and bar verification, are attached to your email before the submission deadline.
This role is an excellent opportunity for legal professionals to contribute to the nation’s infrastructure and regulatory health. Apply now to help build a safer future for all Americans.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of national safety and infrastructure as an Attorney Advisor at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Department of Transportation’s PHMSA is seeking talented attorneys to join our Office of Chief Counsel. In this role, you will perform vital legal work that protects the public and the environment by ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous energy and materials. You will collaborate with agency leaders to craft policy, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and represent the agency's interests in high-stakes legal matters.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Must be an active member in good standing of a State or Territory bar or the District of Columbia.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must be able to maintain a government-issued travel card.
- Ability to serve a two-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Experience in administrative enforcement, including drafting charging documents and managing adjudications.
- Proven background in regulatory development, drafting, and legislative analysis.
- Strong litigation experience involving federal or administrative forums.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with engineers, safety experts, and policy leaders.
- Experience with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act matters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style savings)
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Work-life balance through telework eligibility
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to two pages per OPM requirements).
- Collect proof of bar membership, law school transcripts, and a cover letter.
- Email all documents directly to [email protected].
- Clearly indicate which legal division(s) you are applying for in your email.
- Ensure all documents are received by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to the two-page maximum; longer resumes will not be reviewed.
- Be specific about your employment history, including dates, hours per week, and job series/grade if previously in federal service.
- Double-check your email attachments; incomplete applications will be disqualified immediately.
- If you are a veteran, include your supporting documentation (e.g., DD214) to be considered as a positive factor.
- Review your email to ensure all requested divisions are listed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote?
No, this position is located in Washington, D.C. While the role is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote position.
What happens if my application is missing a document?
Incomplete application packages are not considered. Ensure you have attached your resume, transcripts, and proof of bar membership before the deadline.
Does PHMSA offer veteran preference?
Because this position is in the excepted service, formal points are not applied in the same way as the competitive service. However, the Department of Transportation considers veteran status as a positive factor during the selection process.
What is the trial period?
As an excepted service position, you will be subject to a two-year trial period to evaluate your performance and fitness.
Can I apply for multiple divisions?
Yes, please indicate your interest in the Pipeline Safety, Hazardous Materials, Regulatory, or General Law divisions in your email.
Job from Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
PHMSA is a critical component of the Department of Transportation. The agency’s mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials. By modernizing infrastructure and implementing cutting-edge safety standards, PHMSA ensures the integrity of the nation's transportation systems.