Assistant County Counsel - Land Use, Groundwater Management, and/or Public Works Contracting

County of Ventura (CA)•Ventura, CA

67d•$146,586 - $238,542

About The Position

The County Counsel's Office provides legal advice and representation to County departments, agencies, officials, and employees in all civil law matters. The County Counsel's Office is distinguished from the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office, which handle criminal matters. The County Counsel's Office employs approximately 27 attorneys and 13 support personnel. The working title for line-assigned attorneys is Assistant County Counsel, although the formal Civil Service classifications for the Assistant County Counsel positions are Civil Attorney I/II/III and Senior Civil Attorney. Five attorney positions are assigned to management of the Office, including the County Counsel. The individual assignments of Assistant County Counsels are varied, reflecting the breadth of functions performed by the County, and can include litigation, advisory and transactional duties. An Assistant County Counsel position is available in the Civil Attorney III or Senior Civil Attorney classification, depending upon candidate experience. The position will advise and represent the County, its departments, agencies, officials, and employees regarding land use, groundwater management, and/or public works contracting matters. Applications are sought from motivated attorneys with subject matter familiarity and experience in any of the following practice areas: planning and zoning law and CEQA compliance; groundwater management, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and groundwater adjudication; and/or public works contracting and construction disputes.

Requirements

All levels require graduation from law school and active membership in the State Bar of California.
Civil Attorney III - A minimum of four (4) years of professional legal experience.
Senior Civil Attorney - A minimum of six (6) years of professional legal experience.
Must possess knowledge of and experience in at least one (1) of the following three (3) specialties representing public sector or private clients: Land Use Groundwater Management Public Works Contracting
The County of Ventura Personnel Rules and Regulations prohibit County attorneys from engaging in the private practice of law for compensation.
Pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974, the Assistant County Counsels must file a financial disclosure statement within thirty (30) days of appointment, and annually thereafter.
Comprehensive knowledge of: land use law, groundwater management, and/or public works contracting; Legal principles and their application; rules of professional conduct; rules of evidence; and legal research methods.
Comprehensive skill and ability to: Analyze complex legal claims and defenses; utilize legal research to find principles of law, statutes and cases on point; develop litigation strategies to accomplish client objectives; present statements of fact and argument clearly and persuasively in writing and orally; draft legal instruments and opinions; develop discovery plan and conduct all aspects of civil discovery; draft legal pleadings, briefs, and advisory memoranda; appear and advocate in state and federal court and administrative hearings; obtain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons.

Responsibilities

Advises County officers, departments, and staff regarding land use matters, interpretation and application of County zoning ordinances, plans and policies, groundwater management, and public works contracting and construction disputes
Prepares and reviews staff reports, contracts, permits, real property instruments, and other documents for legal sufficiency; and corresponds with other entities and attorneys regarding same
Acts as legal adviser to County officers, departments, boards and commissions, including at public meetings and hearings
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, and other legislative measures
Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions, evaluates their impact on County operations and recommends appropriate action
Prepares formal written legal opinions.
Prepares and reviews litigation documents such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, and appellate briefs
Represents client agencies in court trials, arbitrations and administrative hearings, and appeals
Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

Annual Leave - The candidate selected for this position will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288.08 hours after 5 years of service.
Annual Leave Redemption - The ability to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months. (Management Resolution, § 1205)
Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Following five (5) years of continuous County service, an additional 2% non-elective contribution will be made to the 401(k) plan.
Health Plans - You are afforded a flexible credit allowance of up to $25,558 annually for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans.
Flexible Spending Accounts - Employees may also participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase their spending power by reimbursing them with pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
Pension Plan - Both the County and you contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as PERS.
Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
Additional Benefits: Professional Memberships, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Wellness Program.

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