Job Description
Position Summary
Under direction of the City Attorney, acts as counsel and advisor to the City of St. George and its various departments in civil, criminal, business, and regulatory issues.
Essential Functions (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
1. Researches federal laws, state statutes, City ordinances, decisions, and established policies. Reviews and drafts ordinances, resolutions, policies, and amendments thereto.
2. Advises City staff on legal issues, rights, obligations, and privileges. Drafts and summarizes legal opinions for City departments. Prepares or revises contracts or legal documents for Mayor or department heads.
3. Handles civil cases at trial and on appeal in federal and state courts. Prepares pleadings and briefs and makes oral arguments relative thereto.
4. Prepares cases for criminal prosecution for violations of City code and applicable state law.
5. Tries criminal cases as assigned by City Attorney for violations of state law and City ordinances.
6. Reviews business license applications for conformance to federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Suggests approval, rejection, or conditions to granting of business licenses.
7. Conducts cases, examines and cross-examines witnesses, and summarizes case to judge or jury.
8. Advises police officers and investigators concerning laws, policy, procedure, and the preparation of cases for trial.
9. Gathers information, evidence, and facts relevant to cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
10. Evaluates findings and develops strategy and arguments in preparation for presentation of case.
11. Conducts investigations and prepares reports for department heads and City Manager concerning personnel disciplinary actions as assigned by City Attorney.
12. Gathers information for City departments and initiates actions, including lawsuits, to collect money owed City on delinquent accounts.
13. Assists in regulatory enforcement including zoning and licensing. Reviews subdivision plats for approval prior to recording with the county recorder’s office.
14. Serves as an advisor to the Utilities Appeal Board as assigned by City Attorney.
15. Receives and reviews community complaints and concerns.
16. Attends meetings of Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and other boards and commissions. as assigned by City Attorney. Attends meetings of City Council as assigned in the absence of City Attorney.
17. Negotiates agreements, settlements, grievances and other matters as assigned on behalf of the City.
18. Drafts a variety of documents over many legal practice areas: leases, real estate purchase and sale agreements, professional service agreements, development agreements, easements, government contract bid documents, construction contracts, franchise agreements, and ordinances.
19. Performs other related duties as required.
Typical Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions
Generally pleasant working conditions; light physical effort; intermittent sitting, standing, and walking; and handling of light weights. Frequent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications
Education: Graduation from nationally accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
Experience: Minimum of two years (2) full time experience as a practicing attorney. Municipal law background helpful. Experience in the public sector and in criminal law highly desirable. The successful candidate should possess excellent negotiation and conflict management skills.
Licenses and/or Certifications:
• Member in good standing of the Utah State Bar Association.
• Must possess a valid driver license. A valid Utah Driver License must be obtained within 60 days of hire and be maintained throughout employment.
A criminal background check is required for this position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to:
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with elected officials, department heads, City employees, the public, and officials and employees of other jurisdictions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
To Apply
Submit a completed City of St. George Employment Application online at careers.sgcity.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. This Position closes 01/19/2022 12:00 AM. Refer questions to Human Resources at 435-627-4670. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background screen are required. The City of St. George is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We make reasonable efforts to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled candidates.