ROLE We are seeking a Paralegal Specialist to support the National Park Service (NPS), Information Resources Directorate (IR), in Herndon, VA. Your responsibilities will focus on managing FOIA request intake, coordinating searches for responsive records, processing and redacting documents, preparing agency responses, and assisting NPS FOIA Officers with administrative and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
This is a full-time opportunity in which we'll provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and job stability and security.
Apply today!
RESPONSIBILITIES I. Intake Management
Monitor FOIAXpress, mail, faxes, and email accounts for new FOIA requests and referrals
Input new requests into FOIAXpress and update requester and subject fields for visibility
Analyze incoming requests for procedural deficiencies such as fees, scope, or statutory compliance
Provide guidance and hands-on training to custodians on conducting proper searches
Determine whether FOIA requests qualify for eDiscovery search options
Gather and organize documents collected from custodians
Convert documents and attachments to PDF using NPS-provided software
Review documents to determine responsiveness to FOIA requests
III. Records Processing & Response Preparation
Identify exempt information and apply appropriate statutory exemptions
Redact protected information electronically and annotate records with exemption codes
Prepare responses explaining the bases for FOIA and Privacy Act determinations
Review release recommendations from NPS components and reconcile differences
Draft internal and external correspondence for approval by NPS FOIA Officers
Conduct coordination with stakeholders and document actions taken
Coordinate with program POCs to review records for responsiveness and redactions
Follow up on agency coordination to determine review status
Provide reproduction of documents required for case records
Collaborate with POCs to review responsive records for needed redactions
Consult with attorneys, bureau representatives, and the public to clarify facts or resolve requests
Conduct legal research on statutes and regulations for accurate FOIA application
Prepare final response packages for Federal staff signature
Flag deliberative and pre-decisional information for Federal staff review
Mark potential White House equities for review by NPS FOIA Officers
IV. Administrative & Reporting Support
Create and maintain electronic administrative case files with full documentation
Update FOIAXpress case records to ensure accuracy of data and actions
Reconcile discrepancies between case files and FOIAXpress data
Perform administrative duties including filing, phones, mail, and correspondence preparation
Review requests and related correspondence to extract and summarize pertinent information
Examine case files to become familiar with issues raised in pending FOIA requests
Input and maintain FOIA data in automated tracking logs and update as necessary
Prepare Vaughn indices identifying withheld documents, claimed exemptions, and justifications
Compile weekly FOIA reports for NPS leadership
Post monthly data quality audits including overdue tasks and missing perfected dates
Generate custom FOIA reports as requested
Close out and archive FOIA case files upon completion
Assist NPS FOIA Officers with website posting tasks including Section 508 compliance
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Advanced skill in processing records for release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat
Strong oral and written communication skills to assist, interpret, track, and document casework
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in analytical and administrative support services
Experience in applying FOIA standards to review, redact, and prepare records for release
Experience using electronic FOIA processing and e-discovery tools
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Associate’s degree or equivalent experience
LOCATION
Reston, VA
TELEWORK
Telework not available
CLEARANCE
U.S. citizenship is required as it supports the U.S. federal government
CLIENT
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
TRAVEL
Travel is not required
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
Employment Classification Eligibility — Exempt
RELOCATION
Not eligible for relocation benefits
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KMRG, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital or civil partnership status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, maternity status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic information, traits historically associated with race, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law.
Other Considerations. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 100% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 100% of the time.