Environmental Attorney

The Environmental Attorney serves as legal advisor and counsel for the Mayor, City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney, department directors and employees in their official capacity.  Performs duties with broad latitude in decision-making and is self-directed. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports, observations and with periodic evaluations based upon achievement of specific goals and an executive and professional level of performance.

Renders written legal opinions on matters relating to environmental law.

Drafts, reviews, and/or supervises the preparation and passage through the State Legislature of legislative bills affecting the City pertaining to environmental law.

Provides full-time devotion to solving any and all issues with the degradation of water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Provides constant dialogue with all legislators, agencies, and executive departments to achieve a permanent solution to the degradation of water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Applies for public and private grants for scientific research to collect data to support future policy decisions and potential actions in an effort to stop the sources of pollution to the St. Lucie River and Estuary. Additionally, applies for public and private grants to interpret data and determine what is needed for ecosystem restoration and environmental protection and implement any processes necessary to restore the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Assesses the damage to the St. Lucie River and Estuary by monitoring the water quality on a regular basis by directly testing or obtaining the data from any and all sources necessary.

Advises the City Commission on the enactment of potential legislation and/or other actions to achieve acceptable water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Provides the general public and news media with information on the health of the St. Lucie River and Estuary and other various environmental matters affecting the City of Stuart.

Researches and commences any and all appropriate action approved by the City Commission to achieve acceptable water quality in the St. Lucie River and Estuary.

Reviews various matters for compliance with applicable environmental laws and ordinances.

Prepares, reviews, and approves as to form and sufficiency, City ordinances and resolutions pertaining to environmental law.

Performs such other related duties and functions as may be assigned by the City Commission, City Attorney or City Manager.

NOTE:  The examples of essential functions listed in this classification specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function of work does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

A law degree from an accredited college of law, membership in “good standing” with The Florida Bar, and substantial experience in environmental law is required. In addition, a license to practice in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, shall be required. Experience in one or more of the following is important to the proper functioning of the Office:  civil trials, administrative hearings, code enforcement, and environmental law. Possession of a valid state issued ID is required for the position.

Please review the full job description for this position by clicking on the Menu option in the upper left, and then select Class Specifications.  This is an important step in reviewing the KSA's and Physical, Environmental, and Sensory Requirements.

This position may be considered “Mission Critical” (aka “Essential”) and may be required to report to duty before, during, and immediately after a civil emergency.

The City of Stuart is a tobacco-free/vaping-free workplace.  All applicants must attest that they have not used tobacco or nicotine products for the preceding 3-month period from the date of application. Candidates chosen for positions with the City of Stuart must undergo pre-employment screening to include verification of their non-use of tobacco or nicotine products in order to be considered for employment.   

The City of Stuart is An Equal Opportunity Employer ADA/VP/DFWP/TFWP