NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Preferred Education:
Doctorate
Additional Information:
Employer will assist with relocation costs.
Internal Number: R9150
Job Description
At NREL, we focus on creative answers to energy challenges. From breakthroughs in fundamental science to new clean energy technologies to integrated energy systems that power our lives, NREL researchers are transforming the way the nation and the world use energy.
This position reports to the General Counsel (GC) and will work with both the GC, other lab counsel and management and staff at all levels within NREL. A law degree and demonstrated legal acumen in a relevant field is required, preferably in procurement, construction, ESH&Q, privacy, FOIA and/or Tech Transfer activities. This position will take on an increasing levels of responsibility through:
Supporting the Acquisition Services Office by providing counsel and review of procurement instruments, DOE-funded subcontracts, leases, construction related activities, purchase orders, and other miscellaneous contracts.
Interpreting legal and other contractual provisions, government regulations, statutory and case law and providing counsel on the appropriate course of action to achieve laboratory business objectives while minimizing organizational risks and exposures.
Assisting the Technology Transfer Office in the negotiation and drafting of agreements and modifications (e.g., CRADA, ACT, SPP, NDA, MTA, MOU, etc.).
Assisting the Information Technology team in negotiating and developing Cyber Security terms, reviewing agreements, and privacy issues.
Reviewing agreements involving visiting professionals, joint appointments, collaborative appointments, and DOE detailed assignments.
Working with the Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality Office on compliance issues such as requirements mandated by other governmental agencies and miscellaneous safety related plans.
Reviewing outside activities of staff for conflicts of interest and analyzing and resolving other situations involving ethical considerations and conflicts of interest.
Participating on multi-disciplinary teams to address issues and develop strategies that accomplish the NREL mission.
Identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance.
Working with the Office of General Counsel team to provide legal support necessary to properly represent Alliance and its efforts to successfully accomplish the NREL mission.
Working closely with the DOE's Golden Field Office’s Contracting Officers and attorneys and the DOE Headquarters Office of General Counsel in the conduct of duties assigned, as required.
Supporting the FOIA, Laboratory Site Operations and Corporate Governance functions as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher degree from an accredited four-year college or university. JD degree from an ABA accredited law school and admission to a State Bar. Must be a current member of the Colorado Bar or eligible for admission on motion to the Colorado Bar based upon years of experience.
Professional II – 2+ years relevant experience Professional III – 5+ years relevant experience
For the Professional II position: The Professional II works under general supervision of the General Counsel and with guidance from the other Legal Professionals to provide routine legal services to clients. Will have a developing general knowledge of Job Responsibilities of the position and the legal functions at the Office of General Counsel.
For the Professional III position: The Professional III position works under general direction from the General Counsel and is able to function more independently. The Professional III position has more complete understanding of the Job Responsibilities and specific relevant knowledge and experience of the legal functions at the Office of General Counsel
.
Additional Required Qualifications
Knowledge of government contracting standards, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR).
Solid skills in decision-making and innovative problem-solving required – must be comfortable providing counsel to advance client goals while minimizing risk.
Experience performing legal research and drafting legal guidance.
Demonstrated experience providing legal counsel in a compliance-driven environment.
Professionalism, enthusiasm, and positivity, as well as a desire for constant learning and improvement.
Strong interest in the laboratory’s mission.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills and the ability to convey complex ideas through presentations.
Ability to work cooperatively (with a staff of attorneys, paralegals and other professional staff) in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with visitors, outside counsel, and NREL leadership and staff, including educating other NREL employees and management on varied legal issues.
Must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, able to multi-task, and work independently while exhibiting outstanding interpersonal skills and team orientation.
Self-starter and able to manage complex projects with minimal oversight.
Proficient PC skills and ability to learn new software and systems are needed.
Strong client-based negotiation and influence skills; the ability to get to yes.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Department of Energy national laboratories and/or federally funded research and development centers, government regulations, and general corporate law is highly desirable.
Knowledge of Worker Safety and Health Program (10 CFR §851/DOE O 441.1B).
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
