The Energy and Natural Resources Division is a core litigating component of the Department of Justice. We uphold the nation's laws governing natural resources, public lands, and Tribal rights. These laws are crucial to energy development, mining, timber production, fish and wildlife, and resource conservation. We also defend and enforce federal environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and laws governing toxic substances and hazardous waste.
The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) handles a very diverse docket of cases arising in both federal district courts and the courts of appeals under the nation's major pollution-control statutes, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, as well as statutes governing pesticides, drinking water, toxic substances, and the management and cleanup of hazardous wastes.
EDS cases are defensive in nature, which can range, for example, from challenges to EPA and other federal agency regulations, permit decisions and policies, to cases seeking to compel allegedly overdue agency actions, to cases brought against federal agencies seeking contribution to hazardous waste cleanups. EDS sometimes works with the enforcement section on matters involving both defensive and offensive claims.
Recent noteworthy examples of EDS' work include defense of EPA regulations governing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and stationary sources, as well as regulations issued by EPA and the Corps of Engineers defining the scope of "waters of the United States" subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act.
The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) plays a vital and unique role in defending the federal government's environmental regulatory agenda being implemented by EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies, including rules and permits issued under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other pollution control statutes. With approximately 60 lawyers and 20 legal support staff; EDS is the third-largest litigating section in ENRD.
Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Advises the Assistant Attorney General, the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and the Deputy Assistant Attorney General on legal and policy questions relating to statutes under which the Section litigates.
Advises and directs Assistant Section Chiefs and trial attorneys in the preparation of cases, frequently determining theories of defense and the preparation of memoranda of law on complex cases in which there is little to no prior precedents or guidelines to reference. Builds and leads integrated partnerships with federal prosecutors and state officials, ensuring the Energy and Natural Resources Division's mission is carried out effectively in every district and state.
Oversees the most important and difficult cases and matters, which may establish precedent for related cases, involve substantial sums of money, or impact a major point of law which could affect important governmental interests that are highly visible in the media and public purview. Accountable for strategic direction, operational oversight, and national coordination of the Program, ensuring high-quality enforcement, litigation support, and cross district collaboration.
Develops and directs the Section's training and policy issues in connection with all matters in the areas of environmental and energy litigation. Directs the Deputy Chief in broad general terms of guidance and process with managing the Section's fiscal resources and assuring the effectiveness of internal management controls. Assures that effective controls are developed and maintained to prevent fraud, waste, and mismanagement of Section resources.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing in at least one state, one U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes.
christina.hanson@usdoj.gov · 202-425-2174
This position is with Offices, Boards and Divisions, Department of Justice.
The posted pay range is $151661 – $228000/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-19.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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