ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

DEPARTMENT: City Attorney

SALARY: Assistant City Attorney I - $10,168 - $11,504/month - FLSA Exempt

Assistant City Attorney II - $11,223 - $12,699/month - FLSA Exempt

Salary offered will depend on qualifications and experience.

OPENING DATE: September 18, 2025

CLOSING DATE: Position is Open Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.


JOB SUMMARY:

Prosecute criminal misdemeanor cases and appear on infraction matters (when required) on behalf of City; represent and support the City Attorney, City Manager, City Council, and employees in various citizen group discussions and public meetings; provide a variety of comprehensive civil legal services; keep the City Attorney informed about projects and issues of importance to staff; provide the City Attorney with accurate and timely information to support decision-making and policy direction. May be required to provide services as Acting City Attorney in the City Attorney's absence.


CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg's core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

All of the following are to be performed while adhering to City of Ellensburg operational policies, safety rules, and procedures. This position requires regular and consistent attendance to accomplish the following essential functions:


ATTORNEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Exercise sound and ethical judgment in the decision-making processes required of this position.

- Serve as the City's Prosecutor; perform a variety of pre-trial and trial preparation duties including reviewing and organizing criminal case information, analyzing evidence and pertinent facts, interviewing witnesses, developing arguments, drafting briefs and motions, representing the City at trial and in appeals

- Provide support directly to the City Attorney by serving as a liaison on projects, expediting resolution of certain matters in the City Attorney's Office and providing special research and support to the City Attorney; maintain regular communication with the City Attorney regarding current issues and workload, elevate situations to the City Attorney when needed

- Assist in representing the City, City Attorney, and the City Manager to management staff, elected officials, and outside agencies; create, present and explain City programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues

- Provide primary day-to-day legal counsel for the Ellensburg Police Department; assist in ongoing training of law enforcement officers and participate in the annual in-service training of officers

- Participate in providing ongoing legal advice to City officials, department directors, and employees; investigate and obtain necessary information to understand question/respond

- As directed by the City Attorney, help management identify and resolve problems, and evaluate work methods and procedures

- Identify complex policy issues and work with department directors to create, present, and implement comprehensive solutions with approval of the City Attorney, City Manager and/or City Council

- Attend regular and special City Council meetings in the absence of the City Attorney or as needed

- Assist the City Attorney in assignment and supervision of work to outside counsel retained by the City in specialized litigation and other matters

- Interact with City Boards and Commissions, outside governmental agencies and non-profits, constituent representative groups and other citizen groups, relative to goals, actions, and activities of the City

- Assist in preparing and reviewing ordinances and resolutions for specific needs; research and/or obtain sample ordinances from other sources

- Serve as a resource to the City's HR Director to advise on labor relations activities and personnel matters Serve as the City Attorney in their absence

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist in supervising the Executive Assistant and may supervise interns. Responsibilities may include developing/maintaining accurate department job descriptions ensuring assignments are within job limits; hiring, onboarding, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; coaching and evaluating performance; working with employees to correct deficiencies; addressing complaints and resolving problems; recommending disciplinary action to the City Attorney if needed. Supervisory responsibilities will be performed in accordance with the City's policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Other duties as assigned.

This is a representative sample—not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

- Juris doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent

- One year of experience in criminal prosecution, including trials

- Please note: Any combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

- Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association

- Valid Washington State driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record

- First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Five (5) years of experience in municipal or related public sector law, including criminal prosecution or civil litigation

- Specific experience advising leadership in one or more of the following practice areas: zoning and land use, employment and labor relations, public records act and open public meetings, public works, bidding and purchasing, etc.

- Prior supervisory experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs, including local, state and federal civil and criminal laws and regulations; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration; ability to discuss and address confidential matters of high sensitivity while exhibiting judgment and extensive knowledge of City policies and procedures, and state/federal laws.

- Skilled in conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, legal briefs, and other legal documents; skilled in operating the listed tools and equipment.

- Ability to establish and maintain cordial and collaborative working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public; ability to administer a professional and efficient municipal legal department.

- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and courteous manner, verbally and in writing, using correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

- Ability to prepare presentations and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format; ability to present information to a variety of audiences including Council, City management, legislators, public groups, and/or boards, commissions, or committees, in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.

- Ability to perform basic to intermediate mathematics required for the position.

- Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, other attorneys and the general public; read, interpret, apply and explain case law, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; and ability to prepare and make presentations in a persuasive manner to various audiences, including courts, hearing tribunals and lay (non-attorney) audiences.

- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write legal documents that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to senior management, public groups, and/or City Council.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Requires frequent use of desktop and/or laptop computer, including Microsoft 365; printer/scanner/copier, calculator, multi-line phone, personal communication devices, motor vehicle, and fax machine. This is a representative sample - not to imply a complete listing of equipment and tools used.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use the listed tools and equipment. The employee is frequently required to communicate and exchange accurate information verbally, in writing, over the telephone, and in person. The employee is frequently required to be in a stationary position when performing office work and must be able to move about inside the office and position self to access office equipment.

The employee must regularly move and/or transport up to 10 pounds and frequently move and/or transport up to 25 pounds.

The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle at all levels of light and in various weather conditions to attend court, meetings, training and/or conferences.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distant, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must have adequate hearing and sense of smell to successfully perform the essential functions.

All safety policies and procedures must be followed, including use of PPE when required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Most work is performed indoors; the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. There may be occasional need to visit outdoor locations, with possible exposure to temperature extremes, high winds, airborne particles, animals, and insects.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work with people, some of whom may be irate, upset, or distressed.

Regular attendance at night meetings (including City Council meetings) is required; frequent extension of workday may be required to meet deadlines.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

The key relationships described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will provide professional and accurate information, communicate, coordinate projects and activities, solve problems, and negotiate solutions (within policy guidelines) with City employees, Councilmembers, boards and commissions, other agencies, businesses, and the general public. The employee will work on court cases with attorneys and/or judges. Communication will occur in writing, by email or telephone, or in person.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.


BENEFITS: Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.

FILING OF AN APPLICATION: A COMPLETED ORIGINAL CITY OF ELLENSBURG APPLICATION FORM IS REQUIRED. A RESUME SUBMITTED IN LIEU OF THE COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. Application forms may be filed online at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us, or paper applications may be obtained from the 1st floor foyer or the Human Resources Department, located at 501 North Anderson Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926. All applications will be reviewed and those applicants who most satisfactorily meet the requirements will be tested and/or interviewed. Reference checks will be made prior to an offer of employment. Appointment will be made as soon thereafter as possible.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986, ALL NEW EMPLOYEES WILL BE ADVISED OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS TO VERIFY IDENTITY AND WORK AUTHORIZATION, WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS OF DATE OF HIRE. THIS IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF ELLENSBURG.

The City of Ellensburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or any other non-merit factor. We will provide reasonable accommodation to disabled applicants, if requested and the Human Resources Department is notified at least two (2) days prior to the need.

Human Resources
Phone: (509) 962-7222
Fax: (509) 962-7143