Senior Researcher Jobs in Boca Raton, FL (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882363 

Agency: Department of Transportation

Working Title: SENIOR ATTORNEY - 55007230

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 55007230 

Salary:  $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

JOB POSTING DESCRIPTION

450 / District 4 Chief Counsel

OPEN COMPETITIVE

SELECTED EXEMPT SERVICE

CONTACT PERSON:  Francine Steelman, Interim District 4 Chief Counsel

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (954) 777-4251

CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: francine.steelman@dot.state.fl.us

Join FDOT and be part of the team that works as one to improve safety, enhance mobility and inspire innovation in the Florida transportation system.

To ensure honesty and transparency, all applicants must provide their own work. Unless explicitly requested, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with qualifying questions, work samples, or interviews is strictly prohibited, and any breach of this requirement will lead to the applicant being removed from consideration.

Candidates must be United States (U.S.) citizens, or lawfully authorized alien workers, and must possess permanent work authorization for any U.S. employer.  Visa sponsorship is not available.

Our Mission

The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state's economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida's environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state's communities.

Our Vision

As a OneFDOT team, we serve the people of Florida by providing a transportation network that is well planned, supports economic growth, and has the goal of being congestion and fatality free.

The Work You Will Do:

This is a Senior Attorney position in our District 4 Chief Counsel's office

This position will be responsible for providing legal counsel and representation of the Department in all phases of the acquisition of right-of-way for transportation facilities.  Responsible for representation in all phases of eminent domain proceedings, including research, the preparation of pleadings, discovery, preparation of witnesses, hearings, settlement negotiations, and trial.  Responsible for preparing real estate conveyance documents.  Responsible for representation in defense of the Department in claims of inverse condemnation, as assigned.

The Difference You Will Make:

Through cooperation, coordination and collaboration among the OneFDOT team, you will be contributing to a strong and empowering culture of TRREC: Trust, Relationships, Respect, Empowerment, and Communication. 

How You Will Grow:

FDOT encourages our team members to grow through engagement, empowerment, training, and professional development.  Through our agency's learning management system, you have access to hundreds of computer-based training and instructor-led courses. 

Where You Will Work:

You are a part of the Office of the General Counsel statewide team and will work in our District 4 Chief Counsel's office located at 3400 West Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309.

Annual Salary Range:

$85,000.00  - $95,000.00

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Responsible for providing legal counsel and representation of the Department in all phases of the acquisition of right-of-way for transportation facilities.  Responsible for representation in all phases of eminent domain proceedings, including research, the preparation of pleadings, discovery, preparation of witnesses, hearings, settlement negotiations, and trial.  Responsible for representation in defense of the Department in claims of inverse condemnation, as assigned.

This attorney is required to travel to assigned districts on a regular basis to conduct discovery, attend hearings, and try cases.

The attorney in this position is an experienced senior trial attorney who handles assignments in defense of the Department or in the prosecution of the Department's rights.  Responsible for litigation in federal and state circuit and county jurisdictions and accurately conducting research of various issues.

Responsible for the provision of legal advice and counsel to agency personnel on recommended conduct of agency business, and the provision of advice, assistance, and direction on legal strategies.

The Successful Candidate will have the following required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Litigation and civil rules of procedure and practice and Government In the Sunshine Law.
• The principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communications.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Utilize problem solving techniques.
• Work independently.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Use word processing, graphic presentation software, database, and mainframe applications.

Licensure/Registration/Certification Requirements:

• Must be a member of The Florida Bar

Other Job-Related Requirements:

• This position requires overnight travel.
• This position requires a Level 1 Background Check.

• Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• $25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurances
• State of Florida retirement package
• 10 paid holidays a year

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Career advancement opportunities
• Tuition waiver for public college courses
• A variety of training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS), unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES AND SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.  QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  In accordance with Section 110.112, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Department of Transportation's Individuals with Disabilities Affirmative Action Plan, the agency is committed to ensuring affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities.  Upon request and as appropriate, reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities may be provided.  Please contact the Florida Department of Transportation's Human Resources Office at (850) 414-5300 for assistance.  

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.