Fort Pierce, known as “Sunrise City,” is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast approximately 50 miles north of West Palm Beach. This location provides Fort Pierce with easy access to the Atlantic. The City is known for its exceptional fishing, beautiful sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County. Fort Pierce covers approximately 31 square miles and is home to a diverse and growing population of approximately 47,927 residents. The US Census estimates that 30.9% of the population is white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 43.5% Black or African American alone, and 22.9% Hispanic or Latino. The population is also diverse economically with an estimated household median income of $40,323 and 27.1% of the population is estimated to be “in poverty.” Efforts are being made to maintain the historic, family friendly ambiance of a beach community while encouraging economic growth.
The City of Fort Pierce operates under a Commission/Manager organizational structure with daily operations entrusted to the City Manager. The Mayor is elected at large to a four-year term with membership on the Commission. Four Commissioners are elected to overlapping terms from two two-member districts. The offices of City Commissioner and Mayor are elected on a nonpartisan basis. The City Attorney, City Clerk and City Manager are “Charter Officers” appointed by and directly reporting to the Mayor and the four City Commissioners. Requests for legal advice from departments are routed through the City Manager’s office.
The City Commission, community, and Police Department have combined efforts to keep Fort Pierce a place where families and businesses can thrive. The National Council for Home Safety and Security ranked the City as one of the 100 safest cities in Florida. The cost of living in Fort Pierce compares well to other areas of south Florida and the US generally. According to the “Best Cities” survey, the overall cost of living in Fort Pierce is rated 87.6 on a 100-point scale. The cost of housing is particularly noteworthy as it is listed at 66.7 on the same scale.
The City Attorney is, pursuant to the City Charter, legal advisor to and counselor for the City and its officers in matters relating to their official duties. The mission of the Office of the City Attorney is to safeguard the legal, ethical, and financial integrity of the City of Fort Pierce. The City Attorney represents the City before all levels of state and federal courts. The Office of the City Attorney reviews all City contracts and agreements for approval as to legal form and correctness. Five positions are budgeted for the City Attorney’s Office with a total budget of $800,490 out of a total City General Fund budget of $52,412,646. The City Attorney has the discretion to delegate legal matters to private attorneys as appropriate.
The position requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and licensure to practice law in Florida. Note that Florida does not have reciprocity with any other state. Requires at least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the management and practice of law, preferably with municipal law practice. Membership in the Florida Bar Association is required. Also highly desired is for the City Attorney to establish residence in Fort Pierce.
The beginning salary will be negotiable depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate. Fort Pierce provides excellent benefits.
To Apply: The position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be Monday, June 19, 2023. If interested, please email your resume and cover letter with your compensation expectations to slavin@bellsouth.net.
For additional information about this opportunity, contact Robert E. Slavin at (770) 449-4656.
Fort Pierce, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, or disability in employment or in the provision of services.
Note: Under Florida Law, resumes are public documents and will be provided to the media upon request. Please call prior to submitting your resume if confidentiality is important to you.
Fort Pierce, known as “Sunrise City,” is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast approximately 50 miles north of West Palm Beach. This location provides Fort Pierce with easy access to the Atlantic. The City is known for its exceptional fishing, beautiful sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County. Fort Pierce covers approximately 31 square miles and is home to a diverse and growing population of approximately 47,927 residents. The US Census estimates that 30.9% of the population is white alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 43.5% Black or African American alone, and 22.9% Hispanic or Latino. The population is also diverse economically with an estimated household median income of $40,323 and 27.1% of the population is estimated to be “in poverty.” Efforts are being made to maintain the historic, family friendly ambiance of a beach community while encouraging economic growth.
