To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet all of the following criteria:
(1) Have a JD or equivalent degree from an accredited law school;
(2) Be admitted and authorized to practice law under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any U.S. territorial court;
(3) Be an active or judicial member of that bar in good standing (or its equivalent); and
(4) Demonstrate at least seven (7) years of experience as a licensed attorney preparing for, participating in, or conducting formal hearings or trials involving litigation and/or administrative law at the federal, state, or local level. Experience in the adjudicatory process and litigation (e.g., as counsel for a party) must be clearly evident in the application package.
Qualifying experience must include at least one year (52 weeks) of SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band (FG/GS-14/FV-J) that is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as:
- Experience adjudicating or representing parties in judicial proceedings, formal administrative hearings, or ADR for such proceedings or hearings. (Note: Formal hearings are defined as proceedings conducted on the record under procedures at least as formal as those prescribed by the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. Sections 553 through 559.)
How You Will Be Evaluated:
Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or Selective Placement Factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) (if applicable) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, a screening committee will further evaluate all minimally qualified candidates and provide selection recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation for final decision. In determining the degree to which candidates possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, the screening committee will consider the breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; education and training; professional stature; awards and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities. Your resume is key in the entire evaluation and selection process. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a complete and thorough resume package that clearly demonstrates your experience that directly relates to this position.
DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Proof of bar membership and status must be dated within one year of the closing date of this announcement. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.
Advice to Applicants:
Your resume and other supporting documents must fully demonstrate the qualifications as described above. Your full application package will be used to assess your qualifications and eligibility and during the review/interview process, you must demonstrate the following:
- The experience, poise, temperament, judgment, collegiality, and professional stature required to perform successfully the important duties and responsibilities of a presiding Administrative Judge in proceedings that come before the Office of Adjudication.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to make fair and impartial decisions in a timely manner based on the record.
Applicants may be asked to verify information on their application for employment with the FAA.
**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**