Martin County Board of County Commissioners

Department:              Legal

Salary Grade:            983

FLSA Status:             Exempt

Reports To:                County Attorney

Mission Essential:      Yes

Bargaining Unit:       HRM

Revised Date:             03/2026

SUMMARY:

Professional legal work as a member of the County Attorney’s Office representing departments and advising administrative and elected officials with a primary focus on contract drafting and review and procurement. Work is performed with significant independent exercise of professional discretion and judgment and is reviewed and evaluated by the appointed County Attorney.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

Representative duties include preparation of written legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases and memoranda as assigned by the County Attorney.

Negotiates and drafts terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.

Reviews various matters for compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.

Serves as Attorney representing the County in such diverse areas as procurement, utilities, finance, personnel, labor/employment law, public services, land use, zoning and administration.

Advises officials and staff on legal questions and prepares legal opinions; gathers facts, checks investigation reports, reviews files and answers correspondence. 

Assists with or prepares assigned State and Federal cases for trial including all aspects thereof; tries cases and appeals unsatisfactory adverse judgments to higher courts; attends County Commission Meetings and Committee Meetings as assigned.

Explains and interprets ordinances and status of various cases; provides advice concerning legal questions within the various operating departments.

Independently plans, investigates, and negotiates on behalf of the County to resolve legal matters.

Performs work related to this job description as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Knowledge of sunshine and public records laws. 

Knowledge of State statutory and State and Federal constitutional law and their application to County operations and ordinances. 

Knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, and land use.

Ability to learn the organization, functions and authority of the various County departments and constitutional officers. 

Ability to represent the interests of the County in court. 

Ability to analyze cases in court. 

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with County officials, employees, court officials, attorneys and general public. 

Ability to read and comprehend legal documents, statutes, ordinances; technical and professional journals and manuals, abstracts, and financial reports.

Ability to write legal documents, business letters, summaries, opinions, etc. using prescribed formats.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely relating information, details and procedures to layman; persuasive/extemporaneous speaking.

Ability to speak in public to the County Commissioners during Board meetings.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with possession of a Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) and three (3) years of professional experience as an attorney, preferably in local government. Outstanding academic credentials and employment experience. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License

Must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)

Ability to sit for long periods of time

Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, and other related office equipment as necessary.

Occasional lifting/light physical work.

Occasional walking, standing.

Constant finger use, feeling, speaking, hearing, seeing, color vision use, repetitive hand motion, hand/wrist movement.

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.

Work is performed primarily indoors.

Involves frequent interaction with people.

May require attendance at night meetings and/or outdoor meetings.

ADA/COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:

This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback.

EEO STATEMENT:

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.