Public Sector Contracts Attorney

Tampa, 7601 US Highway 301, Tampa, FL 33637, USA Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The District is seeking an attorney to join the contracts review team in the Office of General Counsel. The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west‑central Florida as directed by state law. Join our Office of General Counsel The Office of General Counsel is looking for an attorney to assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating District contracts and providing legal support throughout all stages of the procurement process. Attorneys will perform simple to complex professional legal and administrative work, principally advising internal staff and representing the District under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel. The role offers an impact on the organization and flexibility for a true work‑life balance. Key responsibilities include: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts for the District’s procurement needs. Evaluating strategies for resolving legal problems and generating alternative solutions. Developing plans of action for a variety of legal issues relating to the District’s operations. Advising internal staff on contract terms, conditions, and related matters. Investigating facts, searching legal precedents, and drafting necessary legal documents. Required qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. Two (2) years’ experience as a practicing attorney (Attorney 2). Valid driver’s license. Self‑motivated with high proficiency in identifying legal issues and synthesizing legal arguments. Compensation The starting salary ranges are based on education and experience and reflect the minimum to approximately 8% of the respective pay grade. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance. Essential Functions Reviews legal documents, including contracts and procurement materials, and assesses compliance with procurement policy, Florida Statutes, grant conditions, and applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Provides legal counsel to management and staff on day‑to‑day operations of the District. Represents the District in litigation and other proceedings before federal, state, and administrative tribunals. Assists in the enforcement of state law, District rules, and other regulatory or non‑regulatory authorizations. Prepares and reviews legal instruments, such as licenses, leases, easements, or purchase and sale contracts. Provides written opinions to various District divisions on applicable law. Makes presentations before the Governing Board, District staff, and the public when necessary. Participates in emergency management activities, departmental projects, and performs other duties as required. Working Conditions The position is based in the Tampa office with occasional travel to other service offices. Work activity is primarily sedentary and includes continuous repetitive tasks. The role may require carrying and lifting objects up to 10 pounds, bending, reaching, and operating a vehicle for two hours or more. Travel may occur during evenings or weekends. Employees may be required to respond to emergency incidents outside regularly scheduled hours. Required Credentials for Attorney Attorney 1 Juris Doctor from an accredited law school Valid driver’s license Attorney 2 Juris Doctor from an accredited law school Two (2) years’ experience as a practicing attorney Valid driver’s license Applicants are required to submit Resume Recent writing sample – must be within the last 18 months and be 20 pages in length or shorter; if longer, submit a 20‑page portion Professional references Benefits 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday) Generous vacation and sick leave Paid parental leave, including maternity, bonding, and family supportive work program Medical and dental insurance (91–97% District paid) Vision insurance Deferred compensation program Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance Long‑term disability (District paid) Health savings and flexible spending accounts Flexible schedule for work‑life balance Legal and identity theft protection Wellness program Employee assistance program (EAP) Transfer in years of service for other public sector work toward the FRS program and sick time Equal Employment Opportunity The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in job application procedures, hiring, or other terms and conditions of employment. The District provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The District participates in E‑Verify employment eligibility verification and does not sponsor applicants for work visas. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southwest Florida Water Management District