Employment Type : Full-Time
JOB
Open until filled; cutoff for first review of applications: 8 am, Nov. 4, 2020.The ideal candidate for this position will be a hardworking, critical thinking, problem-solver who is committed to providing exceptional legal services.The Deputy City Attorney works under the supervision, direction, and guidance of the City Attorney, and assists the City Attorney in planning, coordinating, and providing comprehensive legal services for the City. The Deputy City Attorney assists the City Attorney in providing counsel to the City Manager, City Council, and staff, as well as to City committees and commissions, regarding City policies, decisions, and activities. The Deputy City Attorney also assists the City Attorney in managing litigation brought on behalf of and against the City. Additionally, the Deputy City Attorney provides assistance regarding reviewing, drafting, and interpreting City ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, and other documents. The City has contracts for prosecution and defense services in Municipal Court. This position has a role in supporting the critical decision-making of the City Council and the City’s administration.About the City of Bainbridge IslandThe City of Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community with a small-town feel, 52 miles of scenic shoreline and densely forested areas. Our employees are the most important asset in preserving and enhancing the special character of the Island, and in responding to the community’s needs. The City provides competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.City VisionA healthy Bainbridge Island, now and for future generations.City MissionServe and respond with skill, trust, and care.City Values Stewardship: We manage our resources with intention. Professionalism: We bring knowledge to our work and energy to new challenges. Connection: Respect and communication are central to our success. Balance: Personal well-being improves our work and makes our organization strong.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Assists in providing legal and strategic advice to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and City advisory bodies through direct consultation and written legal opinions. Assists in resolving legal questions which arise during the development and implementation of City projects and programs. Attends meetings of the City Council as needed and other meetings as necessary and provides appropriate legal advice during meetings. Assists in representing the City in civil actions in proceedings before federal and state courts, as well as before administrative agencies. Works with outside counsel as necessary, in coordination with the City Attorney. Assists in the preparation and review of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents, ensuring legal and policy compliance. Assists in the City's labor relations activities, including related to negotiation of terms and provisions to be included in collective bargaining agreements. Assists as requested in employee discipline, grievances, personnel policies, and other personnel matters involving legal interpretation or advice. Maintains timely and regular attendance. Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate degree and a minimum of three years of municipal law experience; OR any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required. Experience in land use law, public records, contracting, public works, finance, ethics, the Open Public Meetings Act, and with property transactions is preferred.Knowledge of: City organization, operations, policies, and procedures. Various aspects of municipal law, including related to land use, contracts, public records, ethics, public works, finance, utilities, risk management, insurance, administrative matters, labor relations, and the Open Public Meetings Act. Theory, structure, and practice of municipal law, particularly as it applies to the Council-Manager form of government. Teamwork principles and office management. Imparting the importance of strategy and problem-solving in the application of law. Research methods and succinct writing techniques. Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary, as well as public speaking techniques. Interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, and courtesy.Ability to: Apply innovative and logical reasoning abilities to legal problems, utilizing a keen attention to detail. Grasp complex factual data, draw appropriate conclusions, and formulate sound legal decisions. Communicate complex legal ideas verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, and professional manner. Act on behalf of the City in the City Attorney’s absence. Research complex legal issues, using a variety of research techniques and resources. Read, interpret, explain, and apply legal and technical language. Draft and interpret City ordinances and resolutions. Negotiate real property acquisitions and dispositions. Litigate in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Articulate and persuade via verbal and written argument. Plan, organize, and evaluate the work of others and express critical thinking in a respectful manner. Work cooperatively with the City Council, City Manager, Department Directors, and other staff. Understand the City's political environment and sensitivities. Resolve conflicts and gain cooperation among conflicting groups. Support and model the vision, values, and best behaviors of the organization. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialized software. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.License and Certification Requirements License to practice law in the State of Washington. Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association at time of appointment. Successful completion of a preemployment background check is required. Valid Washington State driver's license is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Working ConditionsThe regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Frequent attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours is required. Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service, and subject to regular work interruptions. Noise level is moderate. This position requires extensive telephone contacts, computer operations, reading, and repetitive motion tasks. The employee will be required to work with high-stress clients and other persons to meet deadlines while handling multiple priorities.Physical RequirementsContinuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The employee must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers and other office equipment. The individual may be required to do repetitive arm/hand movements (i.e., keyboarding). The individual must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 20 pounds.Additional Salary DetailsThe salary range for this position is $7822-$9808 per month. The hiring range is $7822-$8760 per month. Step increases are attained annually based on satisfactory performance. The City of Bainbridge Island is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and candidates for employment will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated and, if necessary, disciplined or terminated without regard to sex/gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, veteran status, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.