Search Jobs

Deputy City Attorney I/II | Assistant City Attorney | Chief Assistant City Attorney

$11,504 to $13,983 monthly | $138,048 to $167,796 annually – Deputy City Attorney I

$12,683 to $15,417 monthly | $152,196 - $185,004 annually – Deputy City Attorney II

$14,908 to $18,121 monthly | $178,896 - $217,452 annually – Assistant City Attorney

$17,145 to $20,893 monthly | $205,740 - $250,716 annually – Chief Assistant City Attorney

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Wednesday, October 16, 2024, for first consideration

SUMMARY
The City is seeking to fill one key position at either the Deputy City Attorney I/II, Chief Assistant City Attorney, or an Assistant City Attorney classification/level. The successful candidate in the position will be joining the City’s passionate and skilled mid-management or executive team that inspires creative thinking and engagement, proactively pursues actions to ensure that San Rafael continues to be an amazing place to be, provides effective and easy access to City services, and supports work-life balance. If you are looking for a career where you can work in a fast-paced and positive environment, initiate and manage exciting projects, and be part of a dynamic leadership team, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

THE COMMUNITY

Marin County’s first incorporated City, San Rafael lies midway between San Francisco and California’s famous Sonoma and Napa wine countries. With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael serves as the county seat and is the premier economic, financial, cultural, and service center. The City offers both a small-town feel and a lively urban atmosphere. Famous for its favorable climate, San Rafael makes a central base for taking day trips to scenic locations such as the Sonoma/Napa wine country, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods. Surrounded by open space and the bay, San Rafael is a vibrant city in an incomparably beautiful natural setting.

San Rafael has a varied and rich economy fueled by high tech, entertainment, financial, service-oriented businesses, and industrial businesses. The City is home to major employers such as BioMarin and Kaiser Permanente and offers residents and visitors alike an array of regional retailers in addition to unique local shops. San Rafael is also one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Marin County. The City’s residential neighborhoods are distinctive, each with its own history, character, and identity. There is a wide diversity of housing, and the City is committed to creating and maintaining housing that is affordable to low/moderate income residents, the general workforce, families, and older adults. 

THE ORGANIZATION

Welcome to the City of San Rafael, the “City with a Mission!” The City of San Rafael has an outstanding team of public servants who pride themselves on delivering quality and customer focused services to the community. In 2022, the City was voted one of the top three Best Places to Work in local government by ELGL, a nationally recognized organization in the United States. The City was recognized for its cross-departmental work that is key to advancing community programs and projects. A strong emphasis on innovation, equity, and a commitment to providing ongoing learning opportunities to staff are just some of the perks that make San Rafael the Best Place to Work!

The City Council is highly engaged and seeks to: strengthen and promote the urban and commercial areas; facilitate measures to develop new, needed housing; be in the forefront on sustainability and planning for climate change; and protect the beautiful, natural environment that is part of the community setting. The City of San Rafael is a full-service charter city and functions under a City Council/City Manager form of government and has an annual budget for fiscal year 2023-24 of $172 million, with over 400 employees. City departments include the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Community Development, Fire, Library and Recreation, Police, Economic Development, and Public Works.

THE JOB

At the helm of the City’s legal leadership is a part-time elected City Attorney, Rob Epstein, who has served for seventeen years as San Rafael’s City Attorney with dedication and expertise. An elected City Attorney is fairly rare (a total of 10 statewide) and the part-time position is even more unique. For many years, this distinctive structure has delivered an effective combination of elected political leadership with professional legal support for the City. In this model, the elected City Attorney sits as a trusted counterpart to the elected City Council, providing both legal advice and political leadership.

In addition to the elected part-time City Attorney, the City’s legal office is comprised of two full-time attorneys and one legal assistant. The legal team has been known for its collegial, respectful, and inclusive environment. The City Attorney’s Office also oversees and collaborates with various outside legal counsel, focusing on areas such as land development, human resources, tort litigation, and labor negotiations. 

Due to the part-time nature of the position, the elected City Attorney does not manage or oversee the daily operations of the City’s legal affairs. Instead, this responsibility falls to a strong Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney, who provides operational leadership and management. While the elected City Attorney offers high-level legal oversight and representation, the Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney and support staff handle the bulk of the legal work, ensuring the City’s legal needs are met efficiently and effectively. The Deputy City Attorney will also work with departments to draft and review contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for daily operations, provide legal support and guidance on PRAs, and conducts legal research and prepares reports or memoranda, and make recommendations to the elected City Attorney. This structure balances the benefits of elected accountability and experience with the necessity of onsite professional legal expertise in managing the City’s legal affairs.

Deputy City Attorney I/II

This classification is part of the Mid-Management employee group, a team of highly qualified and dedicated individuals who work under general direction and supervision of their department Directors. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Consults with and provides legal advice to staff in various departments of the Cit. It is anticipated that that a key role of the new attorney will be to consult and support Human Resources with Labor Relations, Discipline, Investigations, ADA, and EEO issues, while also representing and consulting with other client departments.
• Reviews staff reports and advises staff on complex and controversial legal matters.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Represents the City at various City Council, commission and community meetings.
• Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for City departments.
• Represents the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal court and in administrative proceedings.
• Represents the City in arbitration hearings.

Assistant City Attorney and Chief Assistant City Attorney
Both classifications are executive management positions under the general direction and supervision of the part-time elected City Attorney. There is a high level of direct communication, coordination, and collaboration with the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers. Both classifications would be part of the City’s executive leadership team and support the City Manager’s Office directly.

Assistant City Attorney

Executive & Operational Management

The Assistant City Attorney focuses on delivering and overseeing the City’s legal services and providing direct legal support to City departments and City staff. 

Both the Chief Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney perform all of the traditional legal duties found in municipal legal operations such as, but not limited to:

• Ability to act as Acting City Attorney when part-time elected City Attorney is not available.
• Perform legal research; review and apply laws, rules, cases and ordinances; and prepare opinions on various legal issues.
• Proactively identify legal risks and develop strategies to reduce and manage those risks.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of outside counsel engaged by the City for special legal issues and litigation matters.
• Negotiate and draft and/or approve contract forms, complex contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Prepare complex and routine opinions; advise City Council and staff regarding proposed courses of action and City policy.
• Represent the City at various City Council, board, and commissions meetings and in court as assigned, and render legal advice on agenda items.
• Represent the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff attorneys and support staff.

Chief Assistant City Attorney

Executive, Operational and Strategic Partnership

The Chief Assistant City Attorney also manages the responsibilities outlined in the Assistant City Attorney and additionally handles the most complex legal issues in partnership with the City Manager and in support of the part-time elected City Attorney. The Chief Assistant City Attorney acts as a key advisor and strategic partner to the City Manager, and at times the City Council. The Chief Assistant City Attorney functions with a high level of executive level autonomy and independence.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidates will bring legal municipal expertise, a passion for public service, and a commitment to advancing the best interests of our community. This individual will play a pivotal role in providing sound legal counsel to City officials, ensuring compliance with municipal laws, and contributing to the overall success of our City’s operations.  Top contenders will also be skillful at analyzing and preparing a wide variety of complex legal documents. 

• Legal Expertise - Strategic and forward-thinking legal advisor who can operate at a high-level to provide advice and counsel on municipal operations. Strong understanding of public sector legal issues. Excellent at legal research, analysis, and writing.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Resourceful at building collaborative solutions and negotiating with diverse stakeholders to find positive solutions.

• Ethical & Strong Work Ethic - High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity.  Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines and to move matters to resolution. A proactive and results-oriented approach to legal issues.

• Collaborative, Communicator and Politically Astute - Cooperative and collaborative relationship builder. Creative problem solver. Excellent communication skills with the ability to concisely and effectively explain complex legal issues in lay terms. Astute political sense, without being politically aligned.

• Commitment to Public Service - A deep commitment to serving the public and enhancing the quality of life in our community.  Ability to balance legal responsibilities with the strategic goals of the city.  Dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about public service and eager to make a meaningful impact on our community to apply for this rewarding opportunity. The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, dependable, results-oriented, and highly ethical leader with a proven track record for providing excellent and practical legal advice on a range of municipal law topics in both advisory and litigation roles. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• Active Membership in the State Bar of California.
• Valid California driver’s license, AND
• Experience:
  • Deputy City Attorney I: No minimum municipal legal experience necessary
  • Deputy City Attorney II: 2 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Assistant City Attorney: 6 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Chief Assistant City Attorney: 8 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law plus 2 years of responsible management and administrative experience.

SEARCH SCHEDULE

This position is open until filled with a first resume review date of Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Preliminary interviews – in person preferred: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Finalist interview with City Manager’s Office – in person: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

These dates have been confirmed, it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

The Department: The Suisun City Police Department is a progressive and proactive law enforcement agency. As a result of its proximity to neighboring jurisdictions, the employees of the Suisun City Police Department remain extremely busy as they address the needs of the community. Candidates interested in testing for this position must be prepared to take on the challenges of a fast-paced work environment serving both the Police and Fire Departments.

The Position: Under the direction of the Police Support Services Manager, acts as working first-line supervisor overseeing and participating in the preparation, processing, storing, retention, and disposition of police records and property and evidence, and the police and fire dispatching functions; supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for providing assigned Police Department support services and activities; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

DUTIES:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff in Police Department support services functions including dispatch, records, and property/evidence; assists in the development and implementation of new and revised policies and procedures; reviews and approves work schedules including time off and authorizing timecards.

• Receives, classifies, and prioritizes incoming calls to the dispatch center including 911 calls and business line calls received from citizens requesting service or information; operates a variety of public safety communications equipment including 911 emergency telephone equipment, computer aided dispatch systems, and multi-channel radio systems; dispatches police and fire units and personnel.

• Evaluates response necessary as dictated by a given request for service; determines nature, location, and priority of calls; operates computer aided dispatch system to create calls for service within response criteria guidelines; assigns and dispatches appropriate police, fire, or other emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel in accordance with policies and procedures; transfers calls to other appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures; obtains and dispatches other support services as necessary.

The City of Sebastopol is seeking professional leadership - Is it YOU?

We are now accepting applications for a

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Salary: $13,064 - $15,878 Monthly

4 / 10 work schedule onsite

Plus an outstanding benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is seeking an engaging, inclusive, and talented leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and materially participating in current and long-range planning, affordable housing, and is well-versed in development activities, including economic development. The Community Development Director oversees all functions and activities of the Community Development Department.  The current focus is on planning and economic development activities.  In the future, the position's duties may also include oversight of the City's building, inspection, and code enforcement functions. 

This position coordinates Community Development Department activities with other City departments, officials, contractors, consultants, outside agencies, and the public to ensure cohesive and efficient development and planning processes. The Community Development Director reflects a demonstrative cultural competency in collaborating with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities. This position provides highly responsible and complex professional consult to the City Manager to advance the City's planning, housing, economic development, and building and development goals and objectives and may serve as the City Manager or Assistant City Manager in either manager’s absence or as assigned. 

This is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager. This role's duties allow for a broad scope of independent decision-making within legal, policy, and regulatory guidelines. It involves exercising general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Senior Management Analyst I/II

Finance Department

Level I:  $7,985 - $9,705 per month

Level II:  $9,507 - $11,555 per month

Plus excellent benefits

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Friday, February 16, 2024, for first consideration

The City of San Rafael is recruiting to fill a Senior Management Analyst vacancy within the Finance Department.  This position will report directly to the Finance Director.   The Senior Management Analyst I/II will support the city-wide budget process, including operating and capital budgets as well as long-term financial planning/forecasting.  You will perform fiscal and policy analysis of city-run programs and services. As a critical member of the Finance team, you will evaluate opportunities for regional inter-governmental collaborations for improved service delivery or efficiencies, participate in inter-departmental teams on priority special projects (such as Enterprise Resource Planning-ERP-system participation), and review financial policies and procedures to ensure alignment with industry best practices. 

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE POSITION:

This position provides advanced staff level assistance to executive or other management level staff, performs a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative and analytic duties, including providing information to the public and communicating Department and City activities and programs. 

You will join a team of analysts across the City who are assigned to different departments but work together as a team on the important management, budget, communications, and analytic functions for the City. 

This position is part of the Unrepresented Mid-Managers group and is “at will”.  Employment may be terminated with or without cause or notice, at any time by the City of San Rafael. 

Senior Management Analyst I – this is the entry-level classification.  Initially incumbents perform the more routine administrative analysis on new and current projects while learning City policies and procedures and gaining specialized knowledge related to the area of assignment.  As experienced is gained, there is a greater independence of action within established guidelines. 

Senior Management Analyst II – this class is the full journey level class and is experienced to work independently in identifying the need for and developing changes to operating practices, systems, programs and policies.  Incumbents perform the full array of duties within the area of assignment, including complex analytical projects and providing staff support to department administration and city officials as well as working with high degree of independence in interacting with all levels of city employees, managers, elected officials, community groups, and other governmental agencies and the public. 

This position performs the following essential job duties (including but not limited to):

• Assists or leads projects, tasks, and assignments that are priorities for the senior management staff.
• Assumes direct responsibility for managing a variety of projects and programs; oversee assigned administrative support functions including budget.
• Supervises, plans, organizes, and reviews the work of lower level technical and clerical staff.
• Leads departmental communication efforts, providing information to the pubic and interacting with media on issues pertaining to the functions and issues of the Department and City.
• Participating in drafting and implementing Department and/or City-wide goals, policies, and procedures.
• Manages or participates in special projects, including complex research of new programs and services, budget analysis and preparation, and feasibility analyses; prepare and present reports; participates in a variety of Department operations.
• Reviews council reports to ensure financial information is accurate and that policy issues have been addressed in advance.
• Tracks the impact of State and Federal legislation on the Department or city and make recommendations regarding City positions. 
• Prepares and monitors department annual and capital budgets, mid-year budget review, work plans and periodic forecasts; provides complete analysis of revenues and expenditures for each program, re-forecasts and develops new budgets.
• Compiles narrative, fiscal and status reports on department, division, project and fund revenues and expenditures and assists with necessary adjustments.
• Compiles narrative, fiscal and status reports on department, division, project and fund revenues and expenditures and assists with necessary adjustments. 
• Prepares and administers various grants for the department; monitors active grants to ensure that all stipulations and regulations regarding the use of funds are met; and maintains required records to ensure compliance.
• Participates in the public information functions of the City’s Emergency Operation Center.
• Prepares City Council agenda reports.
• Acts as staff to City Advisory Committees as directed by senior executive staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

To be eligible for this position, you must have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of local government and public administration.
• Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation.
• State legislative procedures.
• Communication strategies.
• Public relations and relationship building.
• Negotiations.
• Computer skills including graphics software.
• Municipal budget development and administration.
• Grant writing and management.

To be eligible for this position, you must have the ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with management, staff, and the public.
• Evaluate program policy and practice.
• Plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of staff.
• Compile, organize and analyze complex statistical data.
• Prepare clear and concise analytical and financial reports.
• Prioritize and meet multiple, frequently changing deadlines.
• Work independently and collaboratively to resolve issues and reach consensus.
• Interpret, apply and communicate policies, procedures and regulations.
• Make oral presentations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.  A typical way to obtain these would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a related field.
• A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or business administration is highly desirable.

Senior Management Analyst I:

• Three to four years of progressively responsible analytical experience.

Senior Management Analyst II (in addition to the requirements for the Senior Management Analyst I, this level requires):

• Five years or more of experience performing increasingly complex, professional analytical work with a high degree of autonomy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license

See complete Senior Management Analyst I/II Job Description here.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is

required to use hands to finger coordination, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to video display and regularly works in inside environmental conditions.  The employee frequently works in evenings or weekends.  The employee occasionally works with use of personal vehicle.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application.  Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application.  The examination process may include the following application appraisal and oral board interview examination.  The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%.  Note:  Prior to appointment, candidate must pass a pre-employment physical, background check/fingerprinting, and driving record.  To file an application, go to:  www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Follow this link to submit your application:  https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20464983.

For more information about the City of San Rafael, please visit www.cityofsanrafael.org. 

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  Such accommodation must be requested by the applicant. 

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.