Deputy General Counsel - 31001183

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters, ranging from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. FDEM serves as the lead agency for the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), coordinating the state’s efforts during disaster response and recovery from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee. FDEM also manages the State Watch Office, a 24-hour operation providing situational awareness, conducts damage assessment surveys after disasters, and advises the Governor on emergency declarations and federal relief funds. The division's mission is to 'Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with our community stakeholders for a resilient Florida,' with a vision of 'Leading the Profession in building prepared and resilient communities.'

Requirements

An attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar.
A minimum of three years’ legal experience in the practice of law.
Valid driver’s license.
Previous management experience in a supervisory role.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and the ability to learn and navigate FDEM enterprise business systems.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and/or interest in emergency management.

Responsibilities

Provide legal assistance and representation for FDEM, including the Executive Director, Deputy Directors, Bureau Chiefs, and other FDEM managers.
Provide guidance and assistance to other governmental entities (state and local) and the public relating to chapter 252, F.S.
Provide legal representation of FDEM in judicial and administrative proceedings and appeals.
Provide legal research for FDEM staff.
Provide legal assistance to the Executive Director of FDEM and managers/staff during activations of the SEOC.
Perform legal review of procurements, grants, subgrants, contractual service agreements, contracts, memoranda of agreements, and other such agreements.
Provide legal advice to FDEM staff regarding procurement and contracting procedures, federal and state statutes, federal and state regulations, rulemaking, and decisions determining the interests of third parties.
Supervise or assist in office management and in supervising attorneys, law clerks, and staff in the Office of General Counsel (OGC).
Provide guidance to help ensure that FDEM adheres to EOG/FDEM Code of Ethics. This position assists the General Counsel in reviewing and acting upon dual employment requests, reports of ethics violations, employee reports of gifts received and reports of racial, sexual, and disability discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Assist in providing counsel for the State Emergency Response Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
As needed, is willing and able to represent the General Counsel in all capacities, including responding to calls and emails after hours from FDEM Executive staff and the Executive Office of the Governor.
As needed, assists in providing counsel regarding coordinating compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained within The Americans with Disability Act (ADA). This position assists the General Counsel in reviewing and acting upon complaints of ADA violations and investigates same.
Draft documents relating to states of emergency, including FDEM Emergency Orders, Governor Executive Orders, and requests for disaster declarations under the Stafford Act and presents same to the Executive Office of the Governor for review and approval/execution.
Provides legal assistance, coordination, and support to the Executive Office of the Governor and/or other agencies, as requested, relating to emergency management activities.