Become a General Attorney with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a legal professional looking to pivot your career toward public service? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City is currently hiring a General Attorney to join their Office of Counsel. This is an exceptional opportunity to handle a diverse and complex legal workload that impacts national infrastructure and environmental protection.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney, your daily tasks will be fast-paced and intellectually demanding. Key responsibilities include:
- Contract Litigation: Reviewing and analyzing contract claims, including managing bid protests and disputes before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.
- Environmental Law: Providing legal guidance on environmental impact statements under NEPA and permitting under the Clean Water Act.
- Employment & EEO: Advising management on federal employment law, Title VII, and complex employee relations matters.
- Regulatory Research: Conducting deep-dive research into federal statutes and state court decisions to support high-dollar project formation.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet specific professional criteria:
- Education: A J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Experience: A minimum of two years of professional legal experience.
- Licensure: Active membership in good standing with a state, D.C., or territorial Bar.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Salary and Comparison Table
The salary range for this GS-13 level position is $108,173 to $140,627 annually, depending on experience and locality adjustments.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-13 |
| Salary Range | $108,173 - $140,627 |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
| Telework Status | Eligible |
Benefits
USACE offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling opportunities.
Application Tips
Your application is the first step in the selection process. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less, as longer resumes are automatically disqualified. Clearly highlight your experience in government contracts and environmental law using plain, descriptive language. Don't forget to include notarized fitness-to-practice statements if you are an external applicant.
This position offers a rare chance to apply your legal expertise to projects that shape the landscape of our country. If you are ready to tackle complex challenges and contribute to a team dedicated to engineering excellence, apply to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today.
Why This General Attorney (Contract) Job Matters
Advance your legal career at the intersection of engineering and public service—join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas City.
General Attorney (Contract) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Kansas City District is seeking a highly motivated General Attorney to provide comprehensive legal support. In this role, you will handle diverse portfolios including complex construction contract claims, environmental regulations, employment law, and administrative disputes. As a pivotal member of the Office of Counsel, you will influence the success of critical infrastructure and water resource projects that serve the Nation.
Requirements for General Attorney (Contract)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current active membership in good standing with the Bar of any state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico
- J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Minimum of two years of professional legal experience
- Fitness to practice law without disciplinary challenges
- Compliance with time-in-grade requirements for current federal employees
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Contract)
- Proven expertise in government contract formation and claims processing
- Demonstrated experience in federal court litigation or before administrative tribunals
- In-depth knowledge of NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and other federal environmental regulations
- Strong background in federal employment law and EEO proceedings
- Advanced law degree (LL.M.) or graduation in the top 25% of class for qualifying candidates
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- âś“Competitive retirement plans and thrift savings plan
- âś“Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual
- âś“Telework eligibility as permitted by agency policy
- âś“Potential for permanent change of station (PCS) assistance
- âś“Professional development through the Legal Career Program
đź’ˇ How to Apply General Attorney (Contract) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney (Contract) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing hours worked and specific experience.
- Gather required documents, including law school transcripts and a notarized certificate of good standing from the Bar.
- Submit your online application and questionnaire through the provided portal.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will be excluded.
- Ensure your Bar certification is dated no more than 90 days prior to the opening date.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from supplemental documents before uploading.
- Use plain language to describe your experience and avoid complex legal acronyms.
- Verify that your application includes a notarized fitness-to-practice statement if you are not currently a USACE attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
This position is telework-eligible, though it is not a fully remote position. You will be expected to report to the Kansas City office.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the job announcement, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration entirely.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No security clearance is required, though you must pass a suitability and fitness investigation.
Do I need a top-secret clearance for this role?
No, this is a non-sensitive/low-risk position. No security clearance is required.
Can I apply if I only have one year of experience?
The requirement is for two or more years of professional legal experience, though some education substitutions exist for highly distinguished academic performers.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier engineering and construction agency. From building critical civil infrastructure to managing complex water resource projects, USACE delivers innovative solutions to the toughest engineering challenges. As a member of the Office of Counsel, you aren't just an attorney—you are a partner in the agency's mission to protect national security and support public welfare.