Placer County

County Counsel (#19909)

$107.30-$134.01 Hourly / $18,598.67-$23,228.40 Monthly / $223,184.00-$278,740.80 Yearly

Apply as a Inter-Agency Transfer/Public Agency Eligible List applicant


DEFINITION

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the County Counsel's Office; to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to serve as legal advisor to the County government and special districts as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Director level recognizes classes with full responsibility for the administration of a County department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives policy direction from the County Board of Supervisors.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, professional, technical and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Serve as legal advisor to the County Board of Supervisors, and County Departments; may also serve special districts within the County.
  • Submit opinions, when requested, to County or district officers on matters relating to their respective offices.
  • Supervise and may participate in the work of staff engaged in collecting moneys due the County and preparing opinions, school bond election papers, school tax rate increase election papers and other legal documents.
  • Develop, plan and implement office goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate office activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Board of Supervisors; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
  • Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the office's work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
  • Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the office budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
  • Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the office.
  • Represent the office to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
  • Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in professional legal work, including three years of practice in civil law performing duties similar to a Senior Deputy County Counsel in Placer County, one year of which must have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

Training: Equivalent to a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Required License or Certificate:

  • Admission to practice before State and Federal courts.
  • Active membership in the California State Bar Association.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • The principles and practices of civil, constitutional and administrative law.
  • Responsibilities, powers and statutory limitations of the County Counsel's office.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
  • Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
  • Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
  • Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

  • Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents and to present such material orally and in writing in clear and logical form.
  • Analyze, appraise and/or draft a variety of legal documents and instruments.
  • Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the County Counsel's Office.
  • On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Department related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means.
  • Develop and implement Department policies and procedures.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Successfully develop, control and administer Departmental budget and expenditures.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Interpret and apply County policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CLASS: 19909; EST: 9/2/1995;