Job Summary

Make an impact: The City of Salem is recruiting for a general counsel. We invite skilled attorneys with general counsel experience to apply for the position of Assistant City Attorney II. The successful candidate will join the City's legal team and will be under the general direction of the City Attorney. The City has an innovative and forward-thinking approach to government and community engagement that will provide a variety of opportunities in different practice areas for the successful candidate to advise, problem solve, and implement the City’s strategic plan.

Qualified candidates will be paid a signing bonus of up to $2,500 upon successful completion of the hiring process within of 30 days of employment. Attorneys will be required to sign an agreement that if they do not successfully pass the 12 month probation period or separate for any reason before successfully completing probation, they will be required to reimburse the City of Salem one half of the bonus in the amount of $1,250.

Learn and grow: With competitive pay, outstanding benefits, liberal remote work policy, and opportunities to develop skills and grow within the organization, the City of Salem is a great place to work.

What you will do: This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to play a key role in advising and representing the City in developing policy and administering community programs concerning a wide range of municipal issues. The City seeks an attorney to provide advice and representation for the City on a wide variety of municipal law issues.

Depending on subject matter experience, the successful candidate would advise the City’s planning staff, represent the City in discussions with developers and their counsel, and attend planning commission and historic landmark committee meetings providing advice to staff and City appointed officials.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• 
  Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must pass criminal background check necessary to obtain Criminal Justice Information System clearance and Law Enforcement Data System certification within 30 days of hire (clearance must be maintained throughout employment).
• Doctor of Jurisprudence or equivalent from an accredited college or university of law, and two years of experience in the practice of law, with relevant experience in municipal/government law.
• Admission to the Oregon State Bar required.
• Admission to federal courts may be required depending on area of assignment.

What you will bring along:

• The ideal candidate will have substantial knowledge and experience in land use, development, and real estate law in a public body environment.
• Candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills and be intellectually nimble, to address the broad scope and depth of the legal issues faced by the City.
• The ability to work in a team environment is essential, along with an understanding that the general counsel’s role is to advise and assist the client in achieving the City’s goals and objectives, while protecting the City from liability.

About us: The City of Salem is the state capital of Oregon and is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Salem is within an hour drive of the Oregon Coast, Cascade Mountains, and Portland metro area. Salem is a culturally and economically diverse community, offering abundant year-around outdoor, art, cultural, family, educational, and recreational opportunities.

Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Assistant City Attorney II, or view by clicking here.

How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City of Salem through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.