Closing Date: 3rd October, 2026
Description:
Position Overview and Responsibilities:The Department of Environmental Protection's Human Resources Counsel provides counsel on labor and employment law to the Department's Bureau of Human Resource Management. They assist the Bureau in ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations and addressing personnel grievances. They also assist litigation attorneys in employment-related litigation.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advise the Department's Bureau of Human Resource Management on legal questions related to hiring practices, employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and employee terminations.
- Advise the Department's Bureau of Human Resource Management on employee obligations under the DEP Code of Conduct and DEP Code of Ethics.
- Advise the Department's Bureau of Human Resource Management on all general legal matters such as contract law, public records law, disability protection law, Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA.
- Serve as the Department's liaison to the Department of Financial Services for all DEP risk management cases.
- Assist litigation attorneys in all litigation cases related to labor and employment law.
- Draft, review, and update directives, memorandums, legal documents, and collective bargaining agreements.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in the relevant state, with membership in good standing with the state bar.
- Prior experience in labor relations, employment law, or public sector legal compliance.
- Extensive knowledge of federal and state employment statutes, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and FLSA, as well as advanced negotiation and communication skills.
Position of Special Trust Requirement:
This position is designated as Positions of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Provide legal counsel on employment and labor matters specific to Florida.
- Ensure compliance with Florida Statutes (F.S.), state personnel rules, and federal employment laws.
- Ensure personnel reviews and disciplinary investigations comply with Florida's Sunshine Laws and Public Records Laws (Chapter 119, F.S.).
- Provide legal guidance to the agency's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding employee misconduct or discrimination claims.
Pay: Salary will be commensurate with years of legal experience.
Our Organization and Mission:
The DEP is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida's position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state's economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.
Where You Will Work:
Tallahassee, Florida's Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida's Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
