Deputy City Attorney- Legal Department

The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer. 

This position requires the applicant to successfully pass a drug screening.

Under general direction of the City Attorney, or designee, performs professional legal work.  Work involves professional responsibility in coordinating and administering all legal matters concerning the City of Port St. Lucie.  Serves as advisor and consultant in the resolution of moderately complex legal matters with other legal staff and administrators when necessary.  Responsible for representing the City before quasi-judicial bodies, administrative agencies of government, or in court proceedings.  Work is characterized by complexity, frequency and heavy work volume.   Work is performed with professional independence, subject to minimal supervision of work product and general guidance as to questions of policy and priorities by City Attorney or Chief Assistant City Attorney (Charter Officers).  Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City. 

Assignments may include serving as counsel in one or more of the following areas of government: Police Affairs & Emergency Management; Labor, Employment & Pension; Land Use, Planning & Zoning; Real Property; Public Works, Building & Utilities; Procurement, Contracting & Finance; Legislative Affairs & Election Issues; Code Enforcement & Neighborhood Services; Municipal Governance; Community Redevelopment; Solid Waste & Recycling; Information Technology, Communications & Public Venues; or Risk Management & Litigation. 

This position is an Essential classification and will require you to report to duty before, during and after a civil emergency.

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

• Keeps the mission, vision and values of the City of Port St. Lucie at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
• Assists as legal counsel for City programs and agencies generating a wide range of issues, such as those involving land use, planning and zoning, labor, code enforcement, construction regulation, sunshine law, public records, finance, utilities, police matters, general government law, policies and actions.
• Assists City personnel in responding to public records requests to ensure the assertion of any lawful exemptions and compliance with the law.
• Researches and prepares written legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and memoranda as assigned. 
• Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.
• Advises City officials and employees on legal questions arising in the course of carrying out their duties, including proper legal interpretation and application of statutes, case law, ordinances, and other regulations.
• Assists with the supervision of outside counsel, helps coordinate responses to discovery, and provides reports to the City Attorney and Chief Assistant City Attorney regarding the progress of litigation.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to official municipal advisory boards and committees.
• Represents the City before quasi-judicial, administrative boards, and hearing officers as needed, i.e., code ticket hearings, red light camera hearings, Construction Board of Appeals.
• Monitors Federal and State legislation and case law affecting local government issues.
• Attends public hearings and meetings, as assigned.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association required.  Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar required. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience practicing law in a relevant practice area (waiver available with a showing of other qualified government experience or for exceptional candidates).   Local government practice experience and civil practice experience required.   

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Board Certification as a Specialist in City, County & Local Government Law, or another relevant practice area required, or obtaining such Board Certification upon becoming eligible.  
• Possession of valid Florida driver’s license and maintenance of clean driving record required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

Other required knowledge, skills or abilities include, but are not limited to:

• Thorough knowledge of constitutional and statutory law of the United States and the State of Florida as related to City Government.
• Considerable knowledge of City operations and administration, judicial procedures and the rules of evidence, principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research. Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal references applicable to municipal activities.
• Ability to analyze legal issues, facts, evidence, and precedents in complex cases to present such materials effectively in oral and written form, prepare complex contracts and other legal instruments and court presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials and personnel, court officials and personnel, the bar, the public, subordinates and other employees. 
• Ability to triage and identify legal issues, conduct legal research, and prepare tailored legal opinions.
• Proficient in the use of computers and technology for purposes of research and drafting of pleadings and correspondence.
• Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.
• Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
• Ability to stay centered when challenged.
• Ability to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the department and public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow through with assigned tasks.

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Office environment is fast paced.

Salary : $99,299