Assistant City Attorney/ Planning & Zoning

Job description

Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $300,000.00 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK The purpose of this position is to assist the City Attorney in supervising and administering the activities of the office of City Attorney, and in the performance of a wide variety of difficult professional legal duties which include providing services for all municipal departments, the City Council, advisory boards, and Mayor; accomplish difficult legal activities primarily involving Planning & Zoning. ESSENTIAL EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The following illustrates examples of some of the essential duties and responsibilities of the Assistant City Attorney / Planning & Zoning. There may be other essential functions, not listed below, in order to accomplish the tasks as presented by the Supervisor. Prepares, examines, and approves contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments for City departments. Prepares and reviews proposed ordinances, resolutions, and other legislation. Reviews such documents and offers opinions as to legal acceptability when presented to the municipality for consideration by an outside agent or agency; confers with the City Attorney to determine legal policy. Studies and interprets the constitution, laws, court decisions, City Charter, ordinances, and other legal authorities to give legal advice or prepare opinions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents relating to court proceedings. Prepares and passes upon the legality or sufficiency of contracts and other legal documents. Attends board meetings and serves as legal council at such meetings as assigned. Assists in the land acquisition program of the City by drafting and reviewing documents relating thereto, negotiating settlements for the purchase of land as directed and particularly after eminent domain proceedings have been filed, and processing the legal documents for the property acquired after settlement has been reached. Analyze real estate proposals and negotiate lease terms for City owned assets. Act as City liaison for real estate activities with other agencies such as Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida Department of Transportation, other governmental entities, and economists and appraisers. Review unsolicited proposals and P3s involving City owned real estate. Manage the tangible assets of the City and work with the County and State to ensure tax compliance for all transactions. Provide legal counsel to Building and Zoning Divisions pertaining to all aspects of community development, including any board of such department that makes recommendations to the City Council. Draft , prepare and issue or cause to be noticed and issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and similar competitive solicitation documents involving City’s property. Perform such other related duties and functions as requested by the Supervisor. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and municipal civil laws and of constitutional law affecting municipal government. Court procedures and rules of evidence, legal research procedures and forms. Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of the City Charter and ordinances and to apply legal knowledge to varied problems. Analyze and prepare a wide variety of legal documents. Analyze and brief court decisions, provisions of City ordinances, Federal and State statutes. Draft legal memorandums, ordinances, and resolutions. Reconcile conflicting provisions of laws and court decisions. Express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; use excellent English. Follow oral and written instructions; work effectively with other employees. Meet the general public with courtesy and tact. Skill in conducting research on complex legal problems, preparing sound legal opinions, preparing and presenting cases in court. Knowledge of the principles and concepts related to local government law is preferred. High degree of independence, initiative, communicate effectively, handle several assignments concurrently and develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The following are some of the physical requirements associated with this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made by the City to enable an individual to perform the essential duties/functions of the position. Must have ability to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, stand, hear, hands to finger dexterity, handle, feel or operate objects, read and write English. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment; such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier and fax machines. Work is performed indoors within a quiet to moderately noisy environment. Must be able to lift, carry and or push articles weighing up to 20 lbs. MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 5 years of experience practicing law. Must be an active member in good standing of the Florida Bar. The City of Hialeah Human Resources Department is committed to providing employees an exceptional work environment where through hard work, dedication, and equal opportunity for learning and personal development, employees are able to grow, flourish, and make a difference in our community. The Human Resources Department ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, collective bargaining agreements, and City policies, rules and regulations. The City of Hialeah is an equal opportunity employer. There will not be any discrimination or harassment of any kind on account of age, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, military service or any of the protected categories. The City of Hialeah is a drug and alcohol free employer.