Job Status: Exempt; Full-time Reports to: City Administrator Supervisory Responsibilities: Contract or Support Staff
In addition to the information below, each successful candidate is required to complete a City of Crete employment application. This application can be found on the City's website at https://www.crete.ne.gov then hit the City Employment Opportunities bar in the Quicklinks section in the middle of the page. Scroll down to find the HR Director's information.
I. GENERAL FUNCTIONS The City Attorney is under the direction of the City Administrator. The City Attorney plans, directs and participates in the provision of complex professional legal services to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, City departments and various boards and commissions; performs administrative work in directing the legal activities of the City; provides policy, technical and administrative support to the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator.
II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The City Attorney shall be the legal advisor of the Council and City officers.
The City Attorney shall commence, prosecute, and defend all suits and actions necessary to be commenced, prosecuted, or defended on behalf of the City, or that may be ordered by the Council.
The City Attorney shall attend meetings of the Council and give them his/her opinion upon any matter submitted to him/her, either orally or in writing as may be required.
The City Attorney shall draw all ordinances, contracts and other documents requested by the City Administrator, Mayor, and Council.
Attend Council Committee, Advisory Board, Appointed Board, Commission, and other meetings as directed. Review and prepare materials necessary for the meeting.
Exercise complete discretion both internally and externally when required.
Fulfill the duties set forth in the statutes and ordinances that are assigned to the city attorney.
Monitor and interpret legislation impacting or affecting the City, its operations and activities.
Prosecutes municipal code violations; determines and files proper charges; represents the interest of the City in the conduct of appeals of municipal code violations and other matters in City, State and Federal appellate courts.
Conducts research on specific points of law; prepares legal opinions relating to City matters.
Drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, agreements and other legal documents, assists in formulating proposed legislation for enactment by the legislature regarding matters of interest to the City.
Assists in implementing discipline and termination procedures;
Actively assists in training and development of legal aspects of required knowledge for the benefit of police department staff.
Participate in strategic planning activities.
Assist and support the city administrator in dealings and negotiations with different entities both internal and external.
Work cooperatively with the City Administrator, City Council, and other community organizations in efforts to increase services to benefit community members.
Develop and maintain professional growth strategies for self.
Participate in all personnel actions and activities and advise administrator and human resources director on legal aspects of personnel.
III. OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Other duties as assigned
IV. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Ability to efficiently read, write, and speak English.
Ability to operate a computer with proficiency in word processing, database and spread sheet programs. Utilize the computer efficiently when required (includes but not limited to, WORD, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Outlook, Adobe or other PDF software). Ability to utilize legal and research software including subscription services available to the legal profession.
Ability to communicate with persons of various ethnic backgrounds, educational levels, and communication abilities using pictorial, verbal and written media, in a clear, concise manner. Be able to successfully mediate and negotiate disputes and compromises between various persons courteously.
Ability to maintain a working understanding of City of Crete government policies and procedures.
Ability to work independently, with strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
V. DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of work experience, training, and education that allows the essential duties and responsibilities of this position to be achieved. Must be a degreed professional with a juris doctorate and be a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and licensed to practice in the State of Nebraska. Preference will be given to candidates that have verifiable successful experience in local, county, or municipal governmental work. Grant writing, human resources experience, personnel, union negotiating, and other similar work experience preferred.
VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license
Be at least 21 years of age
Possess a Juris Doctor degree
Admitted to the Nebraska State Bar Association and licensed to practice law in the State of Nebraska
Must be able to legally work in the United States
VII. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must maintain a phone
Work evening and weekend hours as necessary
Travel as required
VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT This job operates in a professional environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as, computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. There are times when you are on your feet for one to three hours. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing (to include media) is required. This would require the ability to lift files and materials (heavy books up to 20 pounds, magazines, and other media materials), open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. The position requires extended periods of sitting. This position may need to climb ladders on occasion.
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
IX. OTHER Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
