Salary: $83,408.00 – $125,112.00 Annually
Location : Post Falls, ID
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 090623DCA
Department: Legal Department
Opening Date: 09/06/2023
Closing Date: 9/27/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Class Specifications
The principal functions of an employee in this class is to perform advanced professional legal representation of the city in civil matters, provide legal advice and representation to the Mayor and City Council, as well as other city boards, commissions, and departments. The position reports to the City Attorney but works independently within policies and administrative regulations and has wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The Deputy City Attorney may be responsible for supervision of the Legal Services Department in the City Attorney’s absence. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
Examples of Work Duties
- Supervise the daily handling of civil matters in the Legal Services Department including supervising the work of legal assistants and other attorneys working on civil matters;
- Provide advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and all city departments, boards, and commissions;
- Attend regular and special meetings of, and provide legal advice and counsel to, the Mayor, City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and any other city commissions or meetings where legal presence is necessary or as directed by the City Attorney;
- Develop expertise in the functions of all departments;
- Mentor, lead, and work with other attorneys and staff;
- Oversee projects to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes;
- Assist the Community Development Department in the interpretation of the subdivision and zoning ordinances and prepare planning related ordinances and documents;
- Advise all departments of the city regarding ordinance interpretation, contracts, and the requirements of state and federal law;
- Supervise outside counsel for the city on matters pending before state and federal courts and administrative bodies and interface with the city’s insurance carrier on claims, potential claims, and general questions of coverage;
- Draft and review contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, ordinances, resolutions, policies, and letters;
- Negotiate with outside counsel and vendors;
- Conduct legal research and provide legal analysis of historical information and its application to current issues;
- Perform legal research and provide opinions, memoranda, and correspondence to city staff as needed;
- Prepare for and attend civil trials, mediation sessions, court conferences, and hearings involving the city;
- Analyze violations of the City Code for civil and criminal enforcement;
- Respond to questions from management, supervisors, co-workers, citizens, and the media regarding city ordinances, policies, and procedures in a courteous, thorough, and timely manner;
- Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities;
- Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures, and safety practices; and
- Assist City Attorney with department administration, policy, and office duties, including employee supervision, work assignments, and budgeting.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform the duties of the City Attorney in their absence;
- On call after regular hours to respond to emergency situations;
- Assist City Attorney and City Prosecutor with limited criminal matters as assigned, including representing the city in court, providing advice to police personnel, public records, code enforcement, and police officer training;
- Review pending legislation for impacts to the city;
- Participate in employee disciplinary proceedings;
- Review responses to public records requests; and
- Perform other related duties as directed by the City Attorney.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Legal and judicial procedures, rules, terminology, methods, documents, practices, and objectives;
- Applicable federal, state and city statutes, ordinances, and regulations affecting city government;
- Legal research methods;
- Established legal precedents;
- Operation of standard office equipment including a personal computer and job-related software applications;
- Contemporary negotiation techniques and methods;
- Supervisory, employee evaluation, and training techniques; and
- English grammar and punctuation.
Ability to:
- Act as legal counsel to the city in civil matters;
- Advise and counsel the Mayor’s office, city departments, boards, and commissions on legal issues;
- Define and analyze complex legal issues and problems;
- Review and write legal documents, agreements, contracts, ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures and related documents;
- Research and organize facts; interpret and make deductions from varying facts or circumstances;
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all matters;
- Quickly understand an issue and respond timely, accurately, and appropriately;
- Review, proof, and critique legal research and opinions of others;
- Communicate effectively with diverse persons and interests;
- Conduct effective negotiations;
- Effectively supervise professional and administrative employees;
- Consistently exercise discretion and judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters;
- Perform legal risk-benefit analyses;
- Evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations;
- Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively;
- Develop sound litigation strategy and represent the city effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings;
- Use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city managers, employees, and outside agencies;
- Communicate with and provide training to both one-on-one and in-group settings to other attorneys, city staff, elected officials, and citizens;
- Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;
- Use English and speak clearly for understanding;
- Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels; and
- Maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.
Acceptable Experience and Training
- Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate Degree;
- Membership in good standing in the Idaho State Bar Association; and
- Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably as a municipal attorney or other governmental legal experience; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and ability necessary to perform the work.
- Valid Idaho driver’s license; and
- Ability to pass a security background check is required.
Please upload a cover letter and resume
Overview of Benefits Information
The City of Post Falls offers a variety of benefits to regularly scheduled employees working in excess of twenty (20) hours per week and as determined by our employee definitions, conferring benefits. Below is an overview of benefits. For more detail, please contact the Human Resource Offices at (208)457-3309.
Benefits Include:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Medical & Dental Benefits
- Employer Paid Health Reimbursement Account (tax free)
- Optional Flexible Spending Account
- Optional 401 K
- Optional 457 Plan (tax deferred)
- Optional IRA (post tax)
- Optional Supplemental Benefits:
- AFLAC
- Life Flight
- Identity Theft & Legal Services
- Paid Time Off
- 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health & Wellness Programs
- Gym Discounts
- On-site workout facilities