Legislative Analyst/Attorney

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

About The Position

The Legislative Analyst/Attorney serves as a technical expert to a legislative committee, legislators, and the public on matters within the committee’s jurisdiction. Under close supervision of the staff director and committee members, the position applies subject-matter expertise to research and prepare staff analyses, reports, legislation, and amendments; respond to inquiries; and develop correspondence. The position supports the Florida Senate Committees on Education Pre-K–12 and Education Postsecondary. The role requires electronically filing a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire, pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S. Salary is commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work.
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.
A doctorate from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Professional experience in the specified areas may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research.
Knowledge of the committee subject area.
Knowledge of applicable word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, and procedures.
Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, and organization.
Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to take action when direction is unclear and take initiative on independent research projects.
Ability to produce quality work under pressure.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with members, their staff, the public, press, and lobbyists.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and contribute to the efficient functioning of committee staff.
Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, credible analysis under minimal supervision and within established deadlines.
Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to collect and analyze data and organize it into logical formats for reports and other written materials.
Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Analyze and objectively summarize proposed legislation, assessing its effectiveness and potential impact on the state and other entities and individuals.
Research and draft legislation and amendments at the direction of the committee chair, committee members, and other legislators.
Assist with planning full committee and subcommittee meetings, including agendas, speakers, presentations, and materials.
Monitor and coordinate committee legislation as it progresses through committees of reference and on the floor.
Monitor implementation of legislation in the Executive and Judicial Branches to determine whether legislative intent is met.
Brief legislators verbally or in writing on issues for committee or floor discussions and constituent meetings.
Plan and conduct research projects and perform legislatively mandated studies.
Prepare oral and written reports on research and committee work, including end-of-session committee reports, interim projects, and oversight reports with recommendations for legislative action.
Provide information and problem-solving assistance to legislators, constituents, and the public.
Prepare letters, summaries, talk-sheets or speeches, reports, and informational memoranda on committee issues at the request of the committee chair, other legislators, or the staff director.
Keep abreast of issues in the assigned area by collecting resource materials, attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, and communicating with agency lobbyists and personnel.
Assist in coordinating the work of the Administrative Assistant, legislative intern, and other staff members.
Serve as a liaison with state agencies.
Use a computer for word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications.
Perform other related duties as required.