Advance Your Legal Career: Attorney-Advisor at the National Nuclear Security Administration
Are you a legal professional looking for a challenging role that supports national security? The Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office (NRLFO) is currently accepting applications for an Attorney-Advisor (General). This role offers a unique intersection of high-level legal advisory work and impactful public service.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Advisor, you will serve as a primary legal resource. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Providing expert advice on procurement, appropriations, and ethics.
- Interpreting statutes, Executive Orders, and agency directives.
- Reviewing and negotiating complex legal instruments and contracts.
- Conducting legal research on environmental regulations, health and safety standards, and litigation.
- Representing the agency in discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
Requirements
You must meet specific criteria to be considered for this position:
- Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Bar Admission: Proof of active membership in any U.S. jurisdiction bar.
- Experience: At least one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Security: Ability to pass a background check and obtain Q Access Authorization.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range, utilizing the NNSA Demonstration Project pay bands.
| Pay Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $109,810 - $168,696 |
| Pay Band | NQ-03 (Equivalent to GS-13/14) |
| Interval | Per Year |
Application Tips
Competition for this role is high. To increase your chances:
- Format: Use a clean, sans-serif font and keep margins at 0.5 inches.
- Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit.
- Detail: Provide specific examples of your work in labor relations, FOIA, or contract law.
- Submission: Use the PDF format to ensure your document layout remains unchanged.
This position is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who values the integrity of the law and the safety of our nation. By joining the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office, you will play a vital role in our nation's defense infrastructure. Apply today to begin the next chapter of your legal career.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Matters
Join the forefront of national security and legal excellence with the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office in Schenectady, New York.
Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Overview
The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Advisor to support the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office. In this critical role, you will provide expert legal counsel on complex matters ranging from contract procurement and labor relations to nuclear environmental regulations. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a high-stakes environment dedicated to advancing national defense and scientific research operations.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (General)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the Bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NQ-02 or GS-12 grade level.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Q Access Authorization security clearance.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (General)
- Demonstrated expertise in contract and procurement law within a federal agency.
- Prior experience addressing nuclear or non-nuclear environmental regulations and toxic tort litigation.
- Background in labor relations, personnel law, or EEO matters.
- Experience working with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requirements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (General) Job
- Create or sign in to your login.gov account via the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume strictly limited to two pages.
- Compile all required documentation, including law school transcripts, bar membership proof, and a writing sample.
- Submit your online application and attach all documents before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status updates and confirmation.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; the system will reject or ignore any additional pages.
- Use a clear, standard font like Lato or Arial at a legible size.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Save your documents as PDF files to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Include a legal writing sample of 10 pages or less that demonstrates your best analytical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NNSA Demonstration Project?
It is an alternative pay system utilized by the NNSA to provide competitive salaries; the NQ-03 band is generally equivalent to GS-13/14.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. You must strictly adhere to the two-page limit, as any content beyond the second page will not be reviewed.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Q Access Authorization, and the role is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk.
Is telework available for this position?
Please refer to the agency's specific telework policy linked within the formal announcement.
Can I apply if I have a pending bar application?
No, you must be an active member in good standing at the time of application.
Job from National Nuclear Security Administration
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. It is responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. The Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office plays a critical role in overseeing the design, development, and support of nuclear propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy. Working here means joining a team dedicated to excellence, safety, and rigorous compliance.