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  Keeps the mission, vision and values of the City of Melbourne at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
• Assists as legal counsel for City programs and agencies generating a wide range of issues, such as those involving land use, planning and zoning, labor, code enforcement, construction regulation, sunshine law, public records, ethics, finance, utilities, police matters, general government law, policies and actions.
• Assists City personnel in responding to public records requests to ensure the assertion of any lawful exemptions and compliance with the law.
• Researches and prepares written legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, and memoranda as assigned.
• Negotiates terms and conditions of contracts and agreements.
• Advises City officials and employees on legal questions arising while carrying out their duties, including proper legal interpretation and application of statutes, case law, ordinances, and other regulations.
• Draft and review legal documents including bids, contracts, service agreements, Interlocal agreements, etc.
• Assists with the supervision of outside counsel, helps coordinate responses to discovery, and provides reports to the City Attorney and or his designee regarding the progress of litigation.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to official municipal advisory boards and committees.
• Represents the City before quasi-judicial, administrative boards, and hearing officers as needed, i.e., Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Historic Architectural Review Board.
• Represents the City in litigation and appeals in Federal and State courts.
• Monitors Federal and State legislation and case law affecting local government issues.
• Attends Public hearings and meetings as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the City Attorney.

• Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in local government law and administrative practice.
• Local government practice experience and civil practice experience required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida driver’s license within 10 days of employment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Must be admitted to practice law in Florida and be a member of the Florida Bar. Must be admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, and U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, within six (6) months of hiring.

• Thorough knowledge of constitutional and statutory law of the United States and the State of Florida as related to City Government.
• Considerable knowledge of City operations and administration, judicial procedures and the rules of evidence, principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research. Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal references applicable to municipal activities.
• Ability to analyze legal issues, facts, evidence, and precedents in complex cases to present such materials effectively in oral and written form, prepare complex contracts and other legal instruments and court presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, court officials and personnel, the bar, the public, subordinates and other employees. Ability to conduct research on legal problems and to prepare legal opinions.
• Proficient in the use of computers for purposes of research and drafting of pleadings and correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work.
• Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.
• Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
• Ability to stay centered when challenged.
• Ability to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the department and public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English, orally and in writing.
• Ability to hear and understand conversation in English in various tones of voice, as well as accents.
• Ability to see, read, and comprehend letters, numbers, characters, symbols, and words which are in English.
• Ability to work and solve problems under pressure and stress with extreme accuracy.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch and sit for periods longer than 30 minutes.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items which weigh up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The City of Melbourne offers a generous benefit package to include:

• 100% City paid medical insurance for employee only; coverage available for family
• Health Insurance opt-out incentive for employees with other medical coverage
• Dental

• Life Insurance in the amount of 1 times your annual salary
• Additional life insurance to include coverage for your spouse and child(ren)
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Plans (FRS, local plan for Police and Fire personnel)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

For more information about benefits visit https://www.melbourneflorida.org/departments/human-resources/employees-only/hr-information-forms-for-employees/benefits)