OKEECHOBEE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The County Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor and representative for Okeechobee County Government, providing legal counsel to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and County departments. Under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, performs a variety of complex technical, managerial, administrative, and professional legal work. The role involves overseeing legal matters affecting the County, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and representing the County in legal proceedings.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Attend all regular Commission meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m., to render legal assistance, opinions and advice as required.
Attend all Planning Board/Board of Adjustments and Appeals meetings.
Attend all hearings of the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.
Attend all County Staff meetings, if requested.
Attend all Construction Industry Licensing Board meetings, as needed after review of agenda.
Attend Board of County Commissioner Workshops, Special Meetings, and other meetings, as needed after review of agenda and/or consultation with the County Administrator.
Serve as attorney to the Canvassing Board.
Represent the BOCC in legal matters, including initiating and defending lawsuits on behalf of the County, such as: appeals, civil lawsuits, evictions, administrative proceedings; and in county court hearings such as: animal control, and code enforcement, and coordinate with others as needed, with any concerns regarding legal issues.
Acts as liaison with other legal activities under the jurisdiction of the BOCC.
Provide legal advice and general consulting, as requested by the Board, or County Administrator and the department heads, offices and employees, on legal issues raised, or as required.
Prepare all Ordinances and Resolutions and special legislative acts or other legal documents for legal sufficiency prior to submission to the Board.
Prepare all county contracts or review for legal sufficiency, as requested, before submission to the Board for action.
Prepare annual audit letter regarding litigation cases involving the County.
The Attorney shall retain an association with, or actually as an employee at his offices, a minimum of one attorney who shall have competent experience in governmental affairs, in particular county government law and/or shall acquire such knowledge such that each attorney shall be able to attend such functions and attend to such matters as enumerated above in this contract when the Attorney is unavailable or unable to attend same.
The Attorney shall continue to be the County’s primary representative in all litigation in any court and all other hearings, meetings, or other such functions as enumerated in this document, and not covered under the County’s insurance policy.
The Attorney shall also represent the County in proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction and in hearings before administrative tribunals where the County is a party or
intervener in respect to the issues that are pending before such court or administrative
tribunal when directed to do so by the Board of County Commissioners. The Attorney may also represent the County in other matters, not specifically enumerated herein, at the request of the Board of County Commissioner or County Administrator.
(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
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Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, including government regulations, public sector employment law, land use, and procurement.
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Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex legal issues. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and public relations
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effectively interacting with diverse stakeholders.
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Demonstrated leadership and management skills to oversee legal staff and manage legal operations.
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Ability to manage high-pressure situations and manage multiple priorities effectively.
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Proficiency with legal research tools and office software applications.
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Ability to understand complex legislative issues and identify potential impacts to the County.
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Understanding of local government procedures and Sunshine Laws.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Ten (10) years’ experience as a practicing attorney in legal research and trial work with at least five (5) years in a government agency.
- Member of the Florida Bar.
- Management experience.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:
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Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
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Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
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Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
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Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
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Ability to lift and carry lightweight materials such as laptops, promotional materials, or small equipment (usually up to 10-15 pounds).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
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The position is based in an office environment but may require occasional travel for events, meetings, or training.
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May involve working outside of regular business hours to meet deadlines or manage urgent communications.
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Limited exposure to physical risk.
The duties and 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 individual with disabilities to perform essential functions.