E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. (E2) is a professional services firm established in 1988 specializing in a full spectrum of engineering services including, project engineering and design, federal base operations and infrastructure support services, gas pipeline construction and inspection services, environmental consulting and remediation, and information technology services. At E2, we value safety, innovation and collaboration, and we are dedicated to excellence.

The Paralegal/Legal Assistant III will provide assistance to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) with processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) NETL manages and administers its Freedom of Information Act request activities within its Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). OCC works with internal and external entities to process FOIA requests from persons seeking records or information from DOE NETL.

The records associated with these requests are often complex and voluminous. OCC processes FOIA requests for many types of official government records. These requests are received on an ongoing basis, and many involve multiple records and record custodians.  Support is needed to locate documents, communicate with internal and external document custodians and stakeholders, and to organize FOIA responses for release.

Support shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:

• Conduct timely searches for responsive documents to collect data for responses to FOIA requests.
• Communicate with internal and external document custodians and stakeholders as needed to locate requested information and organize a draft response.
• Provide ad hoc and standard organizational support to include the gathering and compilation of information for requests for information.
• Protect confidential information and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) by redacting information using Adobe Pro Software or by requesting redacted copies from relevant entities.
• Draft responses to OCC, requestors, and  to senior management (as necessary).
• Review, analyze and organize data collected to create draft responses for OCC review in compliance with FOIA policy and established program procedures and practices.
• Release responsive records to requesters within prescribed timeframes.
• Track requests and inquiries against deadlines to ensure timely responses.
• Update case files in FOIAXpress.
• Provide weekly reports and updates to the FOIA Officer regarding the status of cases.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure timely project execution.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies or associated degree in Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Political Science or Intellectual Property.
• Practical knowledge of subject matter areas related to the agency's substantive programs.
• Minimum 5 years’ office experience in administrative, technical and/or customer service function.
• Proficiency with Microsoft products, Adobe Pro and FOIAXpress to communicate, locate requested documents/information, prepare responses, apply redactions, submit reports, administer FOIA case files and otherwise carry out all required tasks for assigned FOIA requests.
• Excellent grammatical and proofreading skills.
• Ability to anticipate requirements, apply judgement and choose among widely varying methods and procedures to prioritize and process tasks.
• Ability to communicate and interact with others at various levels of management, both in person and/or by telephone to conduct business.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work under time pressure and rapidly for long periods to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to operate general office equipment including but not limited to a computer, phones, fax, copiers, printers and related media and information devices.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent attitude, courteous and professional demeanor, and enthusiastic team member.

Preferred Responsibilities/Requirements: 

• A Masters Degree in Paralegal Studies or a Juris Doctor (JD) Law Degree.

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

 Physical Demands

• Such positions may involve routine lifting of up to 10 pounds, regular handling, grasping, kneeling, and carrying. 
• Constant use of vision and mental alertness is required.

Work Schedule / Hours

Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. 

Integrated Safety Management

• Know and follow environment, safety, and health (ES&H) policies and procedures that apply to their job assignments.
• Become knowledgeable of and maintain awareness of the ES&H hazards associated with their work.  Perform work safely in accordance with hazard controls.
• Report all unsafe operations, and, if necessary, exercise stop-work authority in cases of imminent danger.

• Work only on those tasks in which they have the required competence, training, skills, and abilities to prevent injury to one’s-self, employees, the public, or the environment.

• Maintain active involvement in the introduction, revision, and/or promotion of ES&H/ISM program activities.

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. is a Drug Free Workplace. After accepting an offer of employment, applicants may be required to undergo background checks, drug testing, and/or fit-for-duty physical examination.  Drug screens will include, but not be limited to, Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). As a federal contractor, E2 cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician.

Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.