The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for City Attorney. We are looking for an accomplished, innovative, and collaborative legal professional.
Will lead, plan, prepare, and direct comprehensive legal services for the City. Includes preparation of legal documents, ordinances, and resolutions for review by City departments and Council, litigate on behalf of the City, provide oral and written legal advice to City officials and employees, serve on committees and respond to inquiries, assist the Human Resources (HR) department with labor law and personnel matters, and assist in development of council agenda and reports. Oversee criminal prosecutions through supervision of the Assistant City Attorney/City Prosecutor; assist the City Manager with the direction and coordination of the activities of assigned City departments and/or divisions and with administrative work as needed; provide leadership in formation and implementation of policies and procedures; promotes effective and efficient operations throughout the organization by facilitating interdepartmental cooperation and sharing of resources; provides responsible staff assistance to the City Council as needed.
CORE VALUES:
All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
All of the following are to be performed while adhering to City of Ellensburg operational policies, safety rules, and procedures. This position requires regular and consistent attendance to accomplish the following essential functions:
• Provide ongoing legal advice to the City Manager, City Council, department Directors and employees; investigate and obtain necessary information to understand, research, and answer legal inquiries and provide responses.
• Serve as the City’s legal representative and liaison with outside legal counsel on specialized legal issues.
• Advise City Council of legal issues, conditions, and current/future trends that impact or may impact the City, including risk assessment where appropriate.
• Prepare, review, and approve ordinances and resolutions relying on specific needs and sample ordinances obtained from other sources; determine ordinance codification; finalize ordinances, prepare reports to Council on ordinances, and respond to questions regarding application of ordinances; review and approve leases, transactional documents, interlocal agreements, and contracts prepared by others.
• Assist in development of Council agenda; attend staff meetings and respond to questions; review final agenda for completeness, legal issues and problems.
• Assist with and provide legal support for labor and collective bargaining matters, including grievances and arbitrations; maintain current knowledge of labor/personnel-related law changes; provide legal consultation and advice to HR regarding labor/personnel issues; respond to labor issues as necessary.
• Oversee and/or perform research, analysis, studies, special projects, surveys, and data collection/entry pertaining to operational, administrative, and legal problems; analyze findings and prepare practical solutions for review by the City Manager, Council, and/or others; review and analyze legislation for impact on the City; work with legislators to develop or influence legislation; recommend revisions to proposed legislation.
• Oversee work of the City’s Public Records Officer; provide training and direction to City Council, commission members and employees regarding public records and open public meetings law.
• Oversee the prosecution of ordinance violation and infraction cases through supervision of the Assistant City Attorney/City Prosecutor.
• Respond to community member inquiries; serve on outside committees and boards; perform administrative tasks; maintain partnerships and coordinate City activities with other agencies and organizations; serve as liaison with department Directors, City Council, City Manager, external agencies, and the community.
• Provide responsible and efficient assistance to the City Manager, City Council, and other City boards and commissions as assigned; attend City Council meetings and other public meetings to assist or represent the City Manager.
• Provide guidance to department Directors; respond to requests for policy implementation direction; oversee coordination of code enforcement programs; review draft City Council agendas, sign staff reports, conduct agenda meetings, and attend executive sessions.
• May serve as Acting City Manager from time to time, in the absence of the City Manager.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:
• Directly supervise the Assistant City Attorney/City Prosecutor and Executive Assistant/Deputy City Clerk/Public Records Officer. Responsibilities include developing/maintaining accurate department job descriptions ensuring assignments are within job limits; hiring, onboarding, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; coaching and evaluating performance; working with employees to correct deficiencies, succession planning; providing commendations and working with HR to administer discipline if needed; addressing complaints, grievances, and resolving problems; and ensuring cross-departmental cooperation for excellent internal and external customer service. Supervisory responsibilities will be performed in accordance with the City’s policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
Other duties may be assigned.
This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.
This is a full-time, benefited position. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Retirement under the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), HRA VEBA, Paid Time Off (PTO), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.
This position is open until filled. Screening will begin on February 10, 2025. In addition to completing the employment application, applicants are required to submit a letter of interest, resume, and answer the supplemental questions. All documents can be uploaded when completing the application form through the City website.
Salary: $168,192 - $190,296 annually ($14,016-$15,858/month) FLSA Exempt. Excellent benefits.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
• Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree
• Five (5) or more years of experience in municipal law
• Five (5) or more years in a progressively responsible and/or senior management role including supervision of employees.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
• Licensed to practice law in the state of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and must maintain an insurable driving record
• First aid and CPR certification or obtain within one (1) year of hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Progressively responsible administrative or supervisory experience in municipal government
• Previous experience with labor/employment laws
• Bilingual English/Spanish
To apply for this position and view the supplemental questions, a complete job posting, and brochure please visit the employment section of our website at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us. This position is open until filled. Screening will begin February 10, 2025. EOE. PLEASE NOTE: A completed City of Ellensburg employment application, letter of interest, resume, and answering the supplemental questions is required. All documents can be uploaded when completing the application form.
