SENIOR ATTORNEY

Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual and Sick Leave benefits

Health and dental insurance options

Retirement plan options

Tuition waivers

Paid holidays

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Job summary

A state environmental agency in Tallahassee is seeking a Senior Attorney with extensive litigation experience to manage complex environmental cases. The successful candidate will ensure legal compliance related to Florida’s natural resources, including air and water quality issues. Strong skills in legal research, communication, and teamwork are essential. Applicants must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar and be prepared to engage in a fast-paced environment, addressing crucial environmental challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of litigation experience is preferred.
• Proficient in legal research covering environmental law and civil procedure.
• Ability to manage and litigate complex cases effectively.

Responsibilities

• Handle and litigate complex cases in civil and administrative proceedings.
• Engage in cases related to environmental protection and management of resources.
• Collaborate and communicate with team members.

Skills

Litigation experience

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Legal research

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Education

Member of Good Standing with the Florida Bar

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis Nexis

Job description

SENIOR ATTORNEY

Date: Jan 12, 2026

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of General Counsel, in Tallahassee is seeking an experienced Litigation Attorney. The attorney will handle and litigate complex cases from inception through trial in civil and administrative proceedings. This is an exciting opportunity to litigate environmental issues such as protecting and managing: Florida’s air resources, including air quality, and permitting and compliance of emission sources; Florida’s water resources, including the quality of Florida’s water rivers, lakes, estuaries as well as the preservation of the State’s beach and dune system; and the improper handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste. The attorney would also have the opportunity to litigate cases involving the protection and management of the ownership interests in over 12 million acres of public land vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A minimum of ten years litigation experience is preferred.
• Knowledgeable about computers and business software such as Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint).
• A willingness to actively participate, communicate and collaborate with team members, provide proactive guidance, respond to client and co-worker queries, and timely and effectively resolve issues.
• Ability to handle high volume in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to conduct legal research on issues including but not limited to administrative law and procedure, environmental law, and state rules of civil procedure.
• Excellent communication and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient with online research tools such as Westlaw and Lexis Nexis.
• Positive attitude.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a member of Good Standing with the Florida Bar.

Position of Special Trust Requirement

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum ten years prior litigation experience is preferred.

Our Organization and Mission

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool;
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Special Notes

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at [phone]. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Apply Now