Trial Attorney - Natural Resources Section

The Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking up to 5 experienced litigators for its Natural Resources Section in both Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado. The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be 3/11/2026. The second cut-off date will be 3/25/2026.

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have at least 1 year of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience and the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below:

• At least 2 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level.
• At least 3 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level.
• At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
• At least 5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.

Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation, trial work and/or appellate work, and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:

• GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142)
• GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322)
• GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093)
• GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200)

• GS-12 ($99,800 - $129,742)
• GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280)
• GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316)
• GS-15 ($164,956 - $197,200)

YOUR RESUMÉ MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement.

Part‑time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.