Assistant City Attorney / Deputy City Attorney II

This recruitment is open until filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
To apply, complete an application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofoxnard/jobs/3529358/assistant-city-attorney-deputy-city-attorney-ii. 

The City of Oxnard's City Attorney's Department is seeking a well-qualified, highly motivated Assistant City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney II. The successful candidate will be able to thoroughly research and analyze problems, evaluate risks, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations. 

The Assistant City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney II will present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically all while exercising sound and independent judgment that follows the general policies, guidelines and legal parameters of federal and state laws, regulations, and constitutional provisions applicable to municipalities.

DEFINITION:
Under general direction, provides a wide range of professional legal services to all City departments and divisions, City Council and various boards, commissions, committees; may assist in coordinating the work of contract attorneys on complex or specialized matters; performs related duties as assigned.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Assistant City Attorney is the advanced journey level in the professional legal series. This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Deputy City Attorney II by the level of difficulty and complexity of responsibilities performed. An incumbent in this class is expected to frequently use a high degree of independent judgment and is expected to represent the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings as required.

The Deputy City Attorney II is the journey level class in the professional legal series. Attorneys in this class are flexibly staffed and are customarily advanced from the I level, or when filled from the outside, require prior municipal legal experience.  Appointment to the II level requires that the incumbent perform the more difficult and complex professional legal tasks involving a wide variety of municipal legal subjects with only occasional instruction or assistance. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/ EXERCISED:
General direction is provided by the City Attorney and higher level attorneys. The Assistant City Attorney may exercise technical or functional supervision over Deputy City Attorneys, paralegals and clerical staff.  Deputy City Attorneys may provide technical or functional supervision to legal clerical staff.

WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work week is Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-6:00pm, and alternating Fridays, 8:00am-5:00pm. This position may be required to be available to work additional hours as needed to respond to workload needs. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

Please Note: Should a high number of qualified candidates apply, we reserve the right to conduct a comparative screening to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the recruitment and selection process.

Essential Functions

Include but are not limited to the following:

Confers with and renders assistance to Department Directors and Division Managers in establishing policies by developing and applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet legal requirements.

Works closely with the Public Works Department providing legal counsel on issues relating to public infrastructure and public contracting; utilities operations and regulations; and grant requirements. 
Prepares and drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments, reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legality.
Attends meetings of boards, commissions and committees as may be required; renders legal advice as requested.
Works closely with the Purchasing Manager in procuring goods and services for the City including public work construction projects.  Advises departments on solicitations, bid protests and contract awards.  Drafts and negotiates contracts. 
Investigates claims and complaints by or against the City, recommends action to be taken.
Prepares matters for administrative hearings and represents the City in such hearings.
Represents the City Attorney at various meetings, functions and proceedings when necessary.
Responds to citizen complaints and requests for information.
Represents the City in the community and at professional meetings as required.

Minimum Qualifications
The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

Education and Experience for Assistant City Attorney:
A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, and;
The equivalent of six (6) years of experience in the practice of municipal law or related experience.

Education and Experience for Deputy City Attorney II:

A Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, and;

The equivalent of two (2) years of directly related experience in municipal law. 

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements for all positions:

Membership in the State Bar of California.

Must be able to speak and understand English to effectively communicate with fellow employees, customers, and vendors.