FOIA Specialist

Public Trust Eligibility Required

About Aretum

Aretum is a mission-driven organization committed to delivering innovative, technology-enabled solutions to our customers across defense, civilian, and homeland security sectors. Our teams work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and transformation, helping agencies solve their most critical challenges. We believe in investing in our people and creating a culture where collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth are at the forefront.

Job Summary

Aretum is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Mid-Level FOIA Analyst to join our team. As a Mid-Level FOIA Analyst, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program and ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations and guidelines. 

Due to the nature of our work as a federal consulting organization, employees may be expected to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and must adhere to applicable safeguarding and compliance requirements. 

Responsibilities 

• Timely acknowledge incoming FOIAs, referrals, consultations, FOIA appeals, and Privacy Act requests
• Conduct thorough responsiveness reviews, de-dupe records, and apply discretionary judgment on FOIA procedural issues such as fee category determinations, fee waivers, and grants for expedited processing
• Prepare search memoranda for the appropriate record custodians
• Review large record sets thoroughly, with an eye for detail
• Apply redactions to responsive records in accordance with the FOIA, USDA’s FOIA regulations, and any applicable case law
• Manage administrative files in accordance with internal standard operating procedures
• Coordinate and oversee the production of large-scale collection efforts involving multiple components
• Adhere to USDA’s commonly used confidentiality statutes

Requirements

• 2-4 years of FOIA processing experience
• Associate’s degree (3 additional years of relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree)
• Federal FOIA processing experience, as a federal government employee or as a federal government contractor
• Experience processing complex FOIA requests that include submitter outreach and FOIA consultations and referrals 
• Familiarity with FOIAXpress or a similar FOIA tracking/processing system 
• Proficiency in delivering detail-oriented work
• Capable of working within a team  
• Strong analytical and writing skills 

Travel Requirements

This is a remote position; however, occasional travel may be required based on project needs, client meetings, team collaboration events, or training sessions. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and will be communicated in advance whenever possible.