Government Information Specialist

Summary

The Civil Division's Office of Records & Information is seeking a highly organized and detail oriented candidate to work on its FOIA team. The candidate conducts searches for records, determining whether records are responsive to a request, and considers the application of FOIA exemptions to information in responsive records. Engages with other offices within the Executive Branch on the application of FOIA exemptions. The ideal candidate will have strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities for a GS-12/13 Government Information Specialist generally include, but are not limited to, the following: GS-12 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Utilizes e-discovery platforms to conduct Boolean/keyword searches within a universe of records, to review records for responsiveness, and to tag records accordingly; further, utilize related tools to mark records with appropriate redactions. Answers questions from reviewers about the FOIA request and processing, including information about the subject matter of the request, the status of the request processing, and information regarding determinations made during the processing of the request. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Researches and analyzes issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Communicates with requesters to discuss the scope of requests, applicable fees, and to seek additional information regarding the types of records sought. GS-13 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Independently researches and analyzes complex and unprecedented issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Provides advice and guidance in response to inquiries regarding unprecedented issues related to the FOIA and PA. Reviews and coordinates requests involving issues not covered by precedent decisions related to FOIA and/or PA disclosure. Processes complex FOIA/PA requests for access to highly sensitive and classified records maintained by the Division. Is responsible for the processing of complex requests and those that involve the review of classified records. Provides training and guidance, both orally and in writing, to others within the Division on FOIA and privacy matters.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Government Information Specialist, at GS-0306-12/13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. To qualify for the GS-12 Government Information Specialist position, you must demonstrate that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal service performing such duties as: processing FOIA/PA requests for access to records; conducting searches for records, determining whether records are responsive to the request; communicating with requesters, both orally and in writing; and providing guidance to staff regarding issues related to the FOIA and PA. To qualify for the GS-13 Government Information Specialist position, you must demonstrate that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service performing such duties as: reviewing and coordinating FOIA requests; making recommendations regarding disclosure of material; researching and analyzing issues contained in responsive records and providing recommendations for action; researching applicable points of law and summarizing substantive information from statutes, case law, etc. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 10/19/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 1) your performance and conduct; 2) the needs and interests of the agency; 3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and 4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement.