Assistant City Attorney

Position Summary Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney provides comprehensive legal services to the City Commission, all City departments, and various boards and committees. This position is responsible for researching, analyzing, and applying federal, state, and local laws, judicial decisions, and administrative procedures. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports, discussion, and results obtained. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position: Prepares and reviews contracts, bonds and other instruments in writing in which the municipality is concerned. Assists the City Attorney as legal counsel for the City in all municipal areas. Reviews and drafts various legal documents, including contracts, leases, legal opinions, and memoranda, as assigned by the City Attorney. Conducts legal research, analyzes proposed and enacted legislation, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of developments in relevant areas of law. Prepares or reviews ordinances, codes, resolutions, deeds, pleadings, requests for proposals/bids, contracts, leases, and other legal documents. Prepares a variety of reports, correspondence, and documents on questions of law and legal procedures as directed and approved by the City Attorney. Attends meetings of the City Commission, advisory boards, and other public meetings as assigned for the purpose of providing legal guidance. Prosecutes, on behalf of the City, violations of the City Code of Ordinances. When authorized by the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney shall prosecute and defend, for and on behalf of the City, all complaints, suits and controversies in which the City is a party. Subject to the review and authorization by the City Attorney, to furnish the City Commission, the City Manager, the head of any department, or any officer or board member not included in any department, an opinion on any question of law relating to their respective powers and duties. Subject to review and authorization of the City Attorney, to carry out such other professional duties of the City Attorney as may be required by ordinance or Resolution of the City Commission, or as prescribed for City Attorneys under Florida Law. Performs other duties as assigned. Oversees the City Attorney’s Office in the absence of the City Attorney. Minimum Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The minimum requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and experiences; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of applicable municipal law. Skilled in preparing briefs and other legal documents. Organization, attention to detail, prioritization, time management, and ability to handle several assignments concurrently. Highly effective written, verbal, electronic, and visual communication abilities for various audiences, including non-lawyers. Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the City Charter, ordinances, and land development code and to apply legal knowledge to varied problems. Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents. Ability to carry out duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, City Clerk, Department heads and City Boards. Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor degree. Practice of law for at least five years, or four years with a Master of Laws (LLM) in urban affairs or a closely related field. A minimum of five years’ experience in local government law required. A minimum of five years’ experience in real estate/land use development, contract drafting, quasi-judicial/administrative procedures, procurement, or environmental law preferred. Certifications and Licenses: A license to practice law in the State of Florida and must be in good standing with The Florida Bar. Board Certification in the area of City, County and Local Government Law, preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by the City’s current insurance provider. National Incident Management System (NIMS) training will be required according to the job duties and responsibilities within one (1) year of employment. Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A Essential Physical Abilities Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time N/A = Not applicable Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over) Moderate lifting (15 to 44 lbs.) Light lifting (under 15 lbs.) Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over) Moderate carrying (14 to 44 lbs.) Light carrying (under 15 lbs.) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required_ Climbing (use of legs and arms) Climbing (legs only) Good near vision Good distant vision Both eyes required Depth perception Distinguishing basic colors Distinguishing shades of colors Good hearing (with or without hearing aid) Straight pulling Pulling hand over hand Pushing Walking Standing Crawling Kneeling Bending Balancing Stooping Jumping Running Throwing Driving (cars, small vans, pick-ups, etc.) Driving & operating (heavy equip., trucks, etc.) Other Environmental Conditions Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time N/A = Not applicable Work Inside Work Outside In the Heat In the Cold In High Humidity In Dampness or Chilliness In Dry Conditions In or with Noisy Conditions In Darkness In or with Dusty Conditions With Silica, Asbestos, etc. With Fumes or Gases With Smoke or Flames With Chemicals With Solvents With Grease or Oils With Radiant Energy With Electrical Energy On Slippery Surfaces On Uneven Surfaces In or With Moving Objects In or With Ladders/Scaffolding At Heights above Ground Level Below Ground Level In Water With Explosives With Poor Ventilation With Odors With Unusual Fatigue Factors Other Relevant Information: ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: The City of Plant City is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law. EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the City and its citizens. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, The City of Plant City provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer of employment or a contract for employment or the terms and conditions of employment. The City of Plant City has the right to revise this job description at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr