County Counsel

Job Description:

County Counsel

Description

Samples of Duties

The information listed below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for this classification.  This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed. Consequently, this information does not reflect Essential Functions for this classification.

• Under policy direction by the Board of Supervisors, develops policies and programs, and formulates operational objectives within local, state and federal legal requirements, County ordinances, policies and procedural guidelines.
• Acts as legal advisor to the Board of Supervisors, other County officials and County staff, boards and commissions, the governing bodies of school districts, and other special districts.
• Directs the department in planning, developing and administering goals, objectives, management strategies, programs, policies and procedures consistent with regulatory standards.
• Evaluates the day-to-day and long range legal matters having impact on County operations, and establishes County-wide controls and procedures.
• Attends, or is represented, in boards and commission meetings to provide legal advise.
• Assumes responsibility for bond, tax increase, and improvement district proceedings for the County and agencies represented.
• Prepares or approves contracts and other legal documents involving the agencies County Counsel represents.
• Directs the preparation and administration of the department's budget; and establishes short and long term budget priorities and funding requirements.
• Interprets and communicates department programs, goals, policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations.
• Interviews, selects, trains, supervises, evaluates, promotes and disciplines, including terminates staff; and directs the same activities and staff through subordinate managers and supervisors.
• Reviews legislative activities affecting the delivery of service and advises management on policy and/or operational changes.
• Prepares, or supervises the preparation of, special studies, research, analysis, reports, and correspondence.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Duties, powers, limitations and authority of the County Counsel's Office.
• Federal, state and local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations applicable to the operation of County government and related agencies.
• Principles and practice of public administration, organization, and management.
• Organizational and functional structure of the County.
• Principles and practices of public funding; and budget preparation, administration and control.
• Principles of civil, constitutional and administrative law and their application.
• Trial and hearing procedures, practices, and rules of evidence.
• Methods of legal research.
• Preparation of briefs and opinions.
• Personnel management practices, including effective employee supervision, selection, training, staff development, and discipline.
• Practices and techniques involved in conducting analytical studies of administrative and management practices, methods and procedures.
• Ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Skills/Abilities to:

• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the administration of a large, multifunctional organization with a broad spectrum of government operations and public services.
• Exhibit strong administrative, organizational and managerial aptitude.
• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present such material orally or in writing in clear and logical form.
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Research and draft opinions.
• Draft legal instruments such as ordinances, resolutions, board orders and contracts.
• Maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Direct, prepare and/or supervise the preparation of the departmental budget.
• Interpret and/or develop rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Select, motivate, supervise, and evaluate staff and provide for their training and professional development.
• Analyze complex regulatory and administrative problems, evaluate alternatives, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Make presentations to the Board of Supervisors, other agencies and the public.
• Communicate information in a political environment with divergent interests in a fair and balanced manner.
• Promote open, candid information sharing across organizational boundaries.
• Present ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively both orally and in writing.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as with other agencies and the public.
• Display and maintain the highest degree of maturity, integrity, loyalty, accountability, good judgment, ethics and vision.
• Maintain the County's commitment to provide excellent customer service.

Salary:

$245,492.00 - $313,352.00