Who We Are

Culture is at the heart of everything we do. We've even coined a term for it - #thewilsonvilleway. Our organization is fueled by remarkable individuals who are not only passionate about public service but also deeply committed to supporting one another. We embrace a work-hard, play-hard mindset, creating an environment where people can grow, thrive, and celebrate their achievements together.

Whether you're in a public-facing role or working behind the scenes, your contributions will make a meaningful impact. Our shared enthusiasm for service and our dedication to #thewilsonvilleway keep us focused on what truly matters: the community we serve and the colleagues who help us make a difference.

What You Will Do
The Wilsonville Way is about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving environment, and our culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. Our rapid pace of progress demands a Legal team that prioritizes strategy and innovation—with a mission to advance and guide the organization through inventive, proactive counsel.

In this role you will have the opportunity to assist in advancing the Legal department’s goals, such as:

Drafting ordinances to address new legislation
Advising on land use issues and negotiating agreements with development applicants.
Interdepartmental collaboration, strategizing, and policy drafting for a wide variety of planning, capital improvement, and administration projects
Building and maintaining relationships with departments throughout the City, furthering the department’s reputation as a valued resource
Mentoring future lawyers and public servants through the Legal Department's internship programs.

Who We Are Looking For

Wilsonville is seeking a dynamic, progressive collaborator who has solid knowledge of the multifaceted role of local government along with a broad range of technical expertise. Successful candidates will have a track record as an innovator and a leader with a commitment to public service and the drive to do high quality work. The successful candidate will be recognized as an inclusive legal advisor who consistently presents legal options for consideration and provides a thorough analysis of all aspects of each issue, offering a final recommendation based on the best interests of the organization. The ideal candidate will be:

A service and solutions-oriented person.
A straightforward and open communicator, with skill in managing conflicting perspectives and priorities.
A big picture thinker who can connect the dots on complex functions to create more efficient processes.
An innovative advisor who understands how multidisciplinary collaborative efforts enhance the ability to provide best in class service.
Someone who demonstrates a proactive, customer- and service-focused attitude.

Join our Team

We are looking forward to what you can bring to #thewilsonvilleway. Submit your application, including a cover letter detailing your interest in this position, as soon as possible to be considered for this rare opportunity. The City intends to conduct the first round of candidate interviews the week of November 17-21. For more information about essential job functions and minimum requirements, please read below.

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Under general direction, provides professional legal services for departments, boards, and commissions, including legal research, advice and drafting legal documents. Prepares and prosecutes municipal court cases and may represent the City in other court and administrative hearings.

The Assistant City Attorney reports directly to the City Attorney. This position does not exercise supervisory authority, but may provide direction to other positions in the Legal department and provide mentorship to Legal Interns.

This class is distinguished from the City Attorney classification in that the latter has overall responsibility for department functions and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all inclusive

Assists the City Attorney in planning, organizing, managing, and administering legal services, functions, and activities; assists in developing and implementing program and strategic planning; implements and assists in the development of policies, procedures, and business practices; evaluates goals, objectives, priorities, and activities to improve performance and outcomes; recommends and establishes administrative controls and improvements; develops procedures to implement new and/or changing regulatory requirements.
Advises and provides legal interpretations to Planning Commission and Development Review Board(s) during all adjudicative and legislative hearings as well as work sessions; interacts with parties to pending hearings or with their attorneys to discuss or negotiate City legal positions or interpretations; makes procedural rulings during hearings; reviews each commission's proposed findings and orders for legal sufficiency.
Analyzes and reviews federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conducts analysis on best practices and trends, and formulates and implements recommendations.
Reviews and interprets codes, laws, rules, case law, contracts, real property instruments, plans, and other legal documents; reviews staff reports prior to public hearings or presentations.
Provides expert guidance to staff, City officials, and volunteers on legal issues; represents the City to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations including making presentations and participating in meetings; responds to and resolves confidential and sensitive inquiries; investigates complaints and recommends corrective actions as necessary.
Prepares and prosecutes municipal court traffic and code enforcement cases, including making charging decisions, performing legal research, drafting pleadings, negotiating cases, preparing witnesses, and conducting motion hearings, jury trials, and appeals.
Reviews and edits contracts and contract procedures for major City purchases, franchises, and intergovernmental agreements, evaluating content and form; drafts City contracts, franchises, and intergovernmental agreements; negotiates contractual provisions with other parties or their attorneys.
Drafts legal opinions, agreements, findings, ordinances, orders, and other documents.
Assists in representing and defending the city, its officers and employees in legal actions and administrative proceedings.
Serves as a leader on the Legal team on on the management team; may direct work and provide guidance to members of the Legal Department; provides clear and open communication, motivating team members to strive for excellence and reach their full potential; models respect, accountability, integrity, and adaptability; inspires and empowers employees in the department.
Complete other tasks as assigned.

Customer Service Standards for Employees

These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

Be courteous and polite.
Treat customers with dignity and respect.
Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

Provide prompt and reliable service.
Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the legal profession, preferably in municipal law or land use.

Other: Must be a member of the Oregon Bar Association in good standing and with no disciplinary history

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and collective bargaining agreements affecting City policies and operations
Knowledge of City government administration, organization, functions, and services
Knowledge of practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques of local government law, administrative law, constitutional law, public contracting, and others
Knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence
Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City with government agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations
Knowledge of communication principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications
Ability to exercise discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, assess consequences of proposed actions, apply legal principles, and prepare legal documents
Ability to influence and gain cooperation when there are competing or conflicting priorities; conduct effective negotiations and represent the City
Ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls
Ability to apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
Ability to operate modern office equipment and technology tools
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively

City of Wilsonville jobs

Assistant City Attorney