City Attorney

City Attorney

Department: Administration

Job Status: Full-Time

Days Worked: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri.

Rate of Pay: 57.26 - 87.13

Position Type: Regular full-time

Status: Open until filled Apply Now

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing legal representation and guidance to the city government, elected officials, and city staff.

Minimum Requirements

100% -

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and licensure by the State Bar of South Dakota.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the departments and operations of the city in order to provide effective legal representation and support, interpreted to require five years of related experience.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Essential Functions

• Maintains a physical presence and reliable attendance with the ability to respond at all hours when necessary.

• Acts as chief legal officer to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and city staff to provide legal advice and guidance in all areas, legal and otherwise, pertaining to all aspects of city government, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, policy directives, and day-to-day city operations.

• Acts as legal advisor to city-appointed boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and/or supervises the preparation of legal documents, ordinances, and resolutions.

• Researches, prepares, reviews, amends, and corrects ordinances, contracts, resolutions, legal proceedings, legal briefs, research memoranda, easements, and other legal documents in which the city has an interest prior to adoption to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal laws as well as city policy directives and established procedures.

• Ensures compliance and advises how to comply with statutes, regulations, administrative rules, ordinances, resolutions, and policies.

• Consults with and advises human resources staff on city personnel matters; provides legal advice relative to hiring, discharge, layoffs, disciplinary action, grievances, employee rights and benefits, and employee performance evaluations.

• Attends City Council meetings, informational meetings, personnel meetings, and legal meetings to advice the City Council and city staff on correct procedures and legal compliance of all City Council and administrative actions.

• Reviews proposed state legislation impacting the city and prepares state legislation relating to municipal and city government matters as directed by the City Council; consults with City Council and department directors with regard to such legislation and testifies before legislative boards.

• Prosecutes city ordinance violations and represents the city in court.

• Coordinates and supervises the preparation and investigation of court cases, including legal research, interviewing witnesses, and representing the city in court; assists and coordinates with insurance attorneys in cases in which there is insurance coverage.

• Assists with managing and planning risk reduction programs, comprehensive liability, and property loss control.

• Performs related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Organizational Responsibility -

• Applies high ethical standards, such as honesty, responsibility, and trustworthiness, at all times.

• Demonstrates a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail, and commitment by completing assignments in a timely and effective manner.

• Provides friendly, prompt customer service at all times, to both internal and external customers.

• Facilitates cooperation, trust, and teamwork with coworkers, supervisors, and other employees throughout the organization.

• Follows organizational policies and procedures with minimal supervision, and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations as they relate to each job.

• Completes all required safety trainings/classes in a timely manner.

Supervisory Control -

The City Administrator assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

Guidelines -

Guidelines include federal laws and related regulations, state laws and related administrative rules, city ordinances, city policies, and Robert's Rules of Order. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity & Scope of Work -

• The work consists of varied duties in the provision of legal support to the City of Spearfish.The broad scope of the work contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation to the city government, elected officials, and city staff. Success in this position ensures that the city receives effective legal representation and guidance.

Contacts -

• Contacts are typically with elected and appointed officials, city staff, attorneys, judges, insurance agents, and members of the public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, motivate or influence persons, and to justify, defend, and negotiate matters.

Knowledge Required by the Position -

• Knowledge of common law, federal laws and regulations, state laws and administrative rules, and municipal ordinances, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.

• Knowledge of negotiation principles and practices.

• Skill in identifying and resolving complex problems.

• Skill in providing consistent and timely responses to requests for legal assistance.

• Skill in interpreting and applying complex legal issues, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

• Skill in interacting with and collaborating with a variety of parties.

• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with a variety of parties.

Physical Requirements

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

• The work is performed in an office.

Full Position Description

ATT01 - City Attorney.pdf

Job Advertisement

City of Spearfish - City Attorney

Responsibilities: This position is responsible for providing legal representation and guidance to the city government, elected officials, and city staff. This is a full-time position.

Requirements: Candidates for the City Attorney position must possess a Juris Doctor Degree and be licensed by the State Bar of South Dakota. Candidates must have experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the departments and operations of the city in order to provide effective legal representation and support, interpreted to require five years of related experience. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

How to Apply: Candidates must complete our online application process. Please visit the "Career Opportunities" page on the city's website www.cityofspearfish.com. Candidates will be required to upload a resume and cover letter with their online application package. Hiring salary range $119,100.80 - $145,121.60 (position salary range $119,100.80 - $181,230.40) plus excellent benefit package. Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is open until filled. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process should contact the human resource director to commence the accommodation interactive process.

The City of Spearfish seeks to provide an equitable process in selecting candidates. The city does not consider references prior to the interview process.

Disclaimer

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, requirements, and working conditions. The city reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed and as deemed appropriate. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed for employees to perform the essential duties and responsibilities and meet the requirements of the position. City of Spearfish employees are considered at-will employees. An employee may terminate his/her employment at any time, and the city may also terminate the employee's employment at any time. Unless otherwise provided by contract or law, all employment with the City of Spearfish is to be considered "at-will."

Application Special Instructions

Candidates will be required to upload a resume and cover letter with their online application package.