SENIOR ATTORNEY - 42004411

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

1d • $65,000 - $100,000

About The Position

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY
Under the Florida Constitution the Commissioner of Agriculture is responsible for all matters pertaining to agriculture except as otherwise provided by law. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, headed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, has a broad range of powers, functions and duties under various chapters of the Florida Statutes and, in carrying these out, has employed approximately 3500 employees assigned through several divisions and various offices. To assist and guide the Commissioner and the employees in carrying out their responsibilities, the Commissioner has assigned the department's legal work to a General Counsel, Deputy General Counsels, Senior Attorneys, Attorneys and appropriate support staff.
An employee fulfilling the duties of a Senior Attorney is performing the most responsible professional legal work, other than that performed by a General Counsel and a Deputy General Counsel, that can be accomplished by an attorney for a state agency. A high degree of independent, professional judgment, an intimate knowledge of the law, an ability and skill to handle complex litigation and all types of administrative actions as well as an ability to research and interpret complex provisions of the law as it relates to the powers, duties and functions of an agency are required of a Senior Attorney. A Senior Attorney must be able to produce a high quality, professional work product in a timely, professional, and practical manner. A Senior Attorney must, also, have a high degree of professional skill in client relations with an ability to listen and communicate effectively, to keep others informed, to deal effectively with conflict and change, and to develop and maintain a professional and effective working relationship with all department employees and the public.
The Senior Attorney filling this position will represent and advise the Division of Agricultural Environmental Services. The Division is responsible for agricultural pesticide registration, testing, and regulation. It also regulates pest control and has authority over animal feed, seed, and fertilizer production, inspection, and testing in Florida. In addition, the Division coordinates mosquito control programs across the state. Relevant provisions of law include portions of ch.388, 482, 487, 570, 576, 578, and 580, Florida Statutes.

Requirements

• Admission to the Florida Bar and two (2) years of professional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law or in administrative or judicial hearings.
• Membership in the Florida Bar.

Responsibilities

• Renders requested legal advice and counsel to the Commissioner, the commissioner's staff, and other employees of the department.
• Handles complex cases on all levels of trial and appellate courts in the state and federal system as well as administrative proceedings under the Florida Administrative Procedures Act. Agency cases generally involve enforcement actions, defense of rules and statutes, mandatory or prohibitory injunctions, and contract matters. Reports to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on the department's cases, their movement or resolution.
• Handles contract matters, real estate proceedings, legal opinions and legal research. Conducts legal research of highly complex problems involved in the various functions of the department and the Commissioner's office. Prepares, reviews, and approves contracts, leases, deeds, or other legal instruments. Handles or counsels the handling of real estates closings regarding department property.
• Attends staff meetings and renders requested legal advice and counsel to the Commissioner, and other department staff involved with implementing the statutory responsibilities of the Commissioner and the department. Stays abreast of litigation and court decisions which might affect statutes under which the department carries out its responsibilties.
• Represents the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the department in liaison with the Florida Attorney General and other state and federal agencies. Represents the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the department at judicial and organized bar functions.
• Attends meetings of various legislative committees considering proposed legislation of interest to the Commissioner and the department and drafts or supervises drafting of legislation of interest to the Commissioner and the department. Monitors proposed legislation for impact upon the Commissioner and the department, and advises the Commissioner, the General Counsel's office, and the department's staff.
• Drafts rules and regulations, conducts conferences, workshops, and public hearings, and institutes and conducts rule adoption procedures. Monitors outside attorneys retained to represent the Commissioner and the department in litigation. Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please visit www.myfrs.com;)
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed