District Legislative Aide (District 17)

The Office of State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith is now accepting applications for a District Legislative Aide based in Orlando, Florida.  This is work assisting a Senator with a variety of administrative and public relations matters requiring a thorough understanding of the policies, procedures, and operating practices of the Florida Legislature. An employee in a position allocated to this class performs duties of limited variety and complexity.   Work involves the performance of various routine and non-routine tasks following clearly defined standardized practices. Results are reviewed upon completion for judgment, completeness, and accomplishment of objectives within deadlines.  This position may involve travel to Tallahassee.

Financial Disclosure: Pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S., this position is required to electronically file a Form 1 –Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.

• Manages or assists in managing a district office and supervises other staff in all functions performed by district office.
• Serves as a liaison for constituents. 
• Responds to inquiries by seeking solutions to problems or assisting in the communication with appropriate agency.
• Performs research to gather and assemble information for drafting of bills, speeches, or special reports.
• Attends various local functions and meetings with supervisor to gather information, or on behalf of the supervisor, as a representative of the staff.
• Prepares and distributes press releases and other public information data.
• Supervises maintenance of district office files including selection of newspaper articles and other source materials for files.
• Manages district office expense account.
• Formulates replies to correspondence in draft or final form depending on the complexity of the issue.
• Advises supervisor of issues and projects in the district that require involvement to better serve the district.
• Reviews all correspondence, reports, and legislative proposals for accuracy and quality of content.
• May perform extensive background research on a bill in working it through the committee process.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of office procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of personal computers and use of software.
• Knowledge of the methods for organizing and presenting data.
• Knowledge of Florida laws, and the legislative and political processes and protocol.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use independent judgment in handling media inquiries and news releases.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to review work for accuracy and quality of content.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to supervise/manage people.
• Ability to work and make decisions independently.
• Ability to compose correspondence.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Ability to manage time well.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and contribute to the effective internal functioning of the operation.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of administrative experience.
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for the one year of required experience.
• Professional or nonprofessional administrative experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

Accommodation for Disability

If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.