Closing Date: 10th November, 2025

Description:

Job Summary:
Position Overview: This highly responsible professional legal position is part of the County's legal staff. The individual in this role will represent advisory boards and departments, advise elected and administrative officials, conduct civil suits, and handle special projects assigned by the County Attorney.

Essential Job Functions:
Legal Opinion and Document Preparation

Management of Public Records Requests by analyzing, retrieving, and redacting sensitive information from records in compliance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
Prepare written legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and memoranda.
Draft, review, and negotiate terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.

Representation and Legal Advice

Maintain a thorough understanding of the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119), the Florida Government in the Sunshine Manual, relevant case law, and agency policies to ensure all disclosures are lawful.
Advise County staff on compliance with the Sunshine Law and Florida Public Records Act.
Provide legal counsel to departments such as Community Services, Parks and Recreation, Facilities, Environmental Resources, Planning and Development Services, Information Technology, and Human Resources.

Department and Public Interaction

Coordinate with Departments and respond to public records requestors.
Attend Board of County Commission and special district meetings as assigned, which may include evening meetings.
Serve as legal liaison for various advisory boards and committees.
Provide legal advice within various operating departments as needed.
Serve as counsel for constitutional officers as assigned.

Competencies: The following competencies are key to success in this role, enabling effective contribution, collaboration, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Verbal Communication: Strong oral communication skills for presenting arguments in court, negotiating settlements, and interacting with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
Written Communication: Clarity and precision in drafting legal documents, correspondence, and reports.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with other attorneys, government officials, and clients, and to handle sensitive or adversarial situations with professionalism.
Confidentiality: Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and adhere to professional ethical standards.
Integrity: Demonstrating honesty and fairness in all legal dealings, ensuring that actions reflect the ethical expectations of the legal profession.

Physical Requirements: Frequent walking and standing, with some tasks requiring bending and reaching. Ability to perform tasks involving light physical exertion, including handling tools and materials. May involve extended periods of standing or moving within the workspace.

Environmental Conditions and Work Hazards: The work environment is primarily office-based, with occasional field visits to various sites. Employees may be exposed to typical office conditions, including computers, printers, and office equipment. During site visits or meetings, there may be occasional exposure to outdoor environments. The role may involve stress due to project deadlines, public interactions, and complex problem-solving. Prolonged computer use can also lead to eye strain and repetitive motion injuries.

Supplemental Information:
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

Emergency Response/recovery Activities:
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA Statement:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO Statement:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Qualifications:
Qualifications: Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively. Candidates should have:

Familiarity with judicial procedures at all judicial levels.
Knowledge of State and Federal statutory and constitutional law and its application to County operations and ordinances.
Strong legal research, analysis, and writing abilities.
Ability to learn and understand the functions and authority of various County departments and officials.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply legal codes and case law.
Skilled in negotiating legal terms and presenting legal arguments effectively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Minimum Requirements:

Membership in good standing with the Florida Bar.
2 years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Recent government experience is desired.
A valid Florida driver's license with a good driving record may be required.

Additional Information:
Pay Grade: EX101

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.