Job Description

Requisition No: 874786

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 37001079

Salary: $45,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 05/16/2026

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PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Tallahassee, Florida

and Responsibilities:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of General Counsel (OGC)is seeking a Paralegal Specialist to provide essential legal and administrative support to attorneys within the Administrative Section. This position plays a critical role in supporting DEP’s legal operations by conducting research, preparing legal documents, and assisting attorneys in hearings and trials. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide comprehensive paralegal support to litigation attorneys, including preparation and review of pleadings, motions, discovery responses, subpoenas, and exhibits.

• Assist attorneys handling appeals and complex litigation by organizing records, compiling appellate documents, preparing appendices, and tracking filing deadlines.

• Conduct legal research using applicable statutes, case law, administrative rules, and legal databases; summarize findings for attorney review.

• Draft legal documents, correspondence, affidavits, notices, and other legal filings under attorney supervision.

• Manage case files and electronic records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with agency and court requirements.

• Coordinate and assist with trial preparation, hearings, mediations, and depositions, including organizing exhibits and witness materials.

• Process wage garnishments, including reviewing court orders, preparing garnishment documents, coordinating with payroll and third parties, and tracking compliance and payments.

• Monitor case deadlines, court calendars, and statutory timelines to ensure timely filings and responses.

• Communicate professionally with courts, opposing counsel, internal agency staff, and external stakeholders regarding case-related matters.

• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws, rules of procedure, and agency policies.

• Assist with administrative and special legal projects as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of legal terminology, law, and legal procedures.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to draft and edit legal documents accurately.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisor, attorneys and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and ability to record information accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least three years of secretarial or office clerical experience, or
• Equivalent education/training substitutions: 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college coursework for each year of experience, or 720 classroom hours of vocational/technical training for each year of experience.

• A high school diploma or equivalent may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Must have a Notary Public Certificate.

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:

Candidates with experience in legal research, drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and familiarity with environmental or administrative law are strongly preferred.

Pay:$45,000.00-Salary will be commensurate with experience.

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:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• 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.

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.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.