Closing Date: 11th February, 2026

Description:

Summary:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides independent, objective reviews of the efficiency and effectiveness of Department of Transportation programs and operations, and detects and prevents fraud, waste, and abuse, and criminal violations of laws affecting DOT. OIG fulfills statutory responsibilities and supports members of Congress, the Secretary, Department officials, and the public in achieving a safe, efficient, and effective transportation system.

Duties:
Under the authority of the Inspector General Act of 1978, and under the general direction of the Deputy Inspector General, the OIG Chief Counsel oversees the full range of legal services provided to the Inspector General and OIG employees. The OIG Chief Counsel provides status updates to the Inspector General and senior leaders on significant matters; directs OIG's legal program to provide opinions on laws and regulations pertaining to the conduct, findings, and recommendations of OIG audits and investigations; analyses questions regarding OIG authority, general management, criminal, and transportation-related laws; assists as requested by Offices of United States Attorneys regarding criminal cases investigated by OIG Special Agents; supports litigation as requested by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Federal Court actions involving OIG operations, authority, or activities; represents OIG interests in civil and administrative proceedings; reviews proposed Departmental legislation, regulations, and policies to determine OIG impacts; administers OIG's ethics, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Privacy Act (PA) programs; and supports OIG's Office of Administration including advice on employment, procurement, and financial management laws and regulations. The OIG Chief Counsel maintains professional working relationships with the Office of the Secretary's General Counsel, Operating Administrations' Chief Counsels, and DOJ, to consult with them, as appropriate, on audit, investigative, or management issues of mutual interest. In addition, the OIG Chief Counsel participates in the Council of Counsels to Inspectors General (CCIG) community working group.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
This position requires a top secret clearance. Drug testing required.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278e) is required within 30 days.
Must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Note: Persons newly appointed to an SES position will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications:

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES), you must show in your resume evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and that is directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications listed below.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) or the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ).
It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments, and results. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.

Technical Qualifications:

Demonstrated executive-level experience addressing complex legal issues relating to audits and evaluations of Federal programs and operations, and legal issues relating to criminal, civil, and administrative investigations of Federal programs, employees, contractors, and grantees.
Demonstrated executive-level experience addressing Federal legal issues relating to procurement, appropriations, litigation procedures, employee relations, ethics, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Privacy Act.
Knowledge of the legal authorities that govern an Office of Inspector General including, but not limited to, the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and demonstrated executive-level experience working with the Department of Justice, Congress, Office of Management and Budget, other Offices of Inspector General, or other Government agencies.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): Below are descriptions of the ECQs that must be clearly described in your resume.

ECQ 1 – Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness.
ECQ 2 – Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology.
ECQ 3 – Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience.
ECQ 4 – Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement.
ECQ 5 – Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Additional information about the SES and Executive Core Qualifications can be found on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/).

Education:
Applicants must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Additional Information:

Selective Service System: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Please see http://www.sss.gov for additional information.
Background Investigation: This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is designated as critical-sensitive, requiring that a background investigation be conducted and favorably adjudicated in order to establish security eligibility.
Financial Disclosure: This position is covered under the Ethics in Government Act, which requires comprehensive financial disclosures from employees. The appointee will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278e), within 30 days after his/her appointment, and then annually thereafter.
All applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, political affiliation, union affiliation or non affiliation, marital status, non-disqualifying physical handicap, or any other non-merit reason.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is an equal opportunity employer.
Veteran's preference is not applicable to positions in the Senior Executive Service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.