The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: ALL applicants must meet the requirements for the GS-07 level by one of the following means: (A) Experience: To qualify for the GS-07, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Performing case analysis, file review, and factual research, Using a database to update case status and to schedule hearings or other legal proceedings, Drafting and proofing legal documents and correspondence, and Assisting judges or attorneys during hearings, trials, or depositions. (MUST MEET ALL) -OR- (B) Education: one full year of graduate-level education OR a four-year degree demonstrating Superior Academic Achievement (defined as a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for all courses or 3.5/4.0 for courses within the major field or standing within the top third of a graduating class or membership in a national scholastic honor society). -OR- (C) Combination of Education and Experience: Education (must be graduate level) and specialized experience can be combined if each is less than the required amount. The total must equal at least 100% of the requirement for the GS-07 grade level. Driver's License Requirement: A valid and current driver's license is required. The incumbent may be required to travel to hearings in remote locations that do not have any public transportation readily available. In addition the use of a rental vehicle may be required to travel to hearings in remote locations. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
These positions are located within the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, DAS-Administrative Services, Office of Hearings and Appeals, Probate Hearings Division, duty stationed at the Albuquerque Field office, Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Bloomington Field Office, Bloomington, Minnesota. The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) is announcing a prime opportunity in its Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Bloomington, Minnesota offices where your legal and administrative skills are needed. The positions are in the Probate Hearings Division and is under the supervision of the Supervisory Judge, who is responsible for establishing and managing the work relating to probating the estates of Indians who die owning interests in property held in trust by the US Government. Our ideal candidate will possess a good working knowledge of legal procedures and terminology to perform a variety of research, writing, and paralegal duties. If selected, you will hold a key position in assisting in the process of the determination of heirs and the administration of Indian trust estates. You will be counted upon to assist in the hearing and probate decision process to meet immediate needs as well as assist with the accomplishment of long-term goals. At the full performance level (GS-09) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Review case files assigned for dockets to ensure completeness and accuracy. If information is missing, initiates action to seek information that will complete the case file. 2. Identify potential complications in the case, including but not limited to discrepancies with family information, inventory issues, and potential will disputes. 3. Research related cases to obtain verify family histories and confirm information about potential heirs. 4. Use docketing system to update and maintain the procedural status of each assigned case, and to schedule hearings in coordination with the assigned judge. 5. Prepare notices of probate hearings to be sent to all interested parties, as well as combined hearing notices that are posted. 6. Review case record upon completion of hearing to assist with the judge's determination as to the sufficiency of evidence for a final decision. Works with judge to schedule supplemental hearings if necessary, and prepares documents to provide opportunities for a party to renounce interests or to otherwise obtain any necessary additional information. 7. Prepare draft probate decisions or orders in simpler cases. 8. Assist the judge at hearings by recording the proceedings, taking attendance and verifying current addresses of participants, handling exhibits, and other duties as needed by the judge. 9. Proofread draft decisions and orders prepared by others. 10. Provide guidance and assistance to legal assistants and backs up legal assistants with task such as scanning and mailing, as needed. 11. Prepare case-related correspondence. 12. Assist the office with administrative duties as needed or assigned, including timekeeping, purchasing, and bill-paying. Telework: The Office of the Secretary has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for situational telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Salary Range Information (Per Annum): Albuquerque, NM GS-07: $51,007 - $66,311 Bloomington, MN GS-07: $55,012 - $71,517 *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available. This vacancy is also announced as OS-6082-26-FS-006(MP) for those applicants who wish to apply and be considered under Merit Promotion procedures.