SENIOR ATTORNEY - 37001750

State of Florida • TALLAHASSEE, FL

43d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Human Resources Counsel provides labor and employment law counsel to the Department’s Bureau of Human Resource Management. The role helps the Bureau comply with state and federal regulations, addresses personnel grievances, and assists litigation attorneys with employment-related litigation. The position is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and is designated as a Position of Special Trust, requiring successful completion of background screening.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the relevant state and 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.
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills.
• Successfully complete the required background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Provide legal counsel on employment and labor matters specific to Florida.
• Ensure compliance with Florida Statutes, state personnel rules, and federal employment laws.
• Ensure personnel reviews and disciplinary investigations comply with Florida Sunshine Laws and Public Records Laws (Chapter 119, F.S.).
• Provide legal guidance to the agency’s Office of the Inspector General regarding employee misconduct or discrimination claims.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Bureau of Human Resource Management on legal questions involving hiring practices, employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Advise the Bureau on employee obligations under the DEP Code of Conduct and DEP Code of Ethics.
• Provide advice on general legal matters, including 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 DEP risk management cases.
• Assist litigation attorneys with cases related to labor and employment law.
• Draft, review, and update directives, memorandums, legal documents, and collective bargaining agreements.

Benefits

• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree