Assistant/Deputy City Attorney – General Transactional/Water Focused

The City of Santa Rosa, a full-service charter city located in scenic Sonoma County, is seeking either a first level (Deputy City Attorney) or a more experienced second level (Assistant City Attorney).

This is a unique opportunity for a general transactional attorney to function primarily as general counsel to the City’s charter-created Board of Public Utilities, under the general direction of the City Attorney. This Council-appointed Board has general policy authority over the City’s water, wastewater, and stormwater operations. Generalist candidates for this position will have core experience in transactional legal matters for public agencies combined with experience or the desire to expand their skills in the area of water utilities. Truly this is an exciting career position to develop a specialty in municipal utilities and at the same time enjoy a collaborative and enriching environment offered by the City Attorney’s Office in the City of Santa Rosa.

Based on workload and increasing legal demands across City functions, this legal professional will have plenty of opportunities to contribute to a healthy, forward-looking, and collegial team environment.

Be part of a dynamic, diverse, and knowledgeable organization committed to excellence in serving a thriving community! The City is committed to building a workforce reflective of its community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within the organization. The City’s collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for its community and visitors. The City of Santa Rosa celebrates a diverse workforce and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply.

Experience required for Assistant City Attorney: A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and experience would be possession of five (5) years or more of experience performing duties comparable to those of Deputy City Attorney for City of Santa Rosa or other comparable public agency or law firm.

Experience required for Deputy City Attorney: A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and experience would be possession of two (2) years or more of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Santa Rosa or other comparable public agency or law firm.

Desired Experience (Not Required): Municipal experience dealing with water, wastewater utilities, stormwater, public contracting, and utility specific projects is a plus and will also be important to highlight with resume submittal.

Education & License:Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school or the equivalent is required. Active membership in the State Bar of California and ability to gain admission to the Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

The annual salary range for the Assistant City Attorney position is $161,141 to $201,261 and the Deputy City Attorney is $128,363 to $160,393 reflective of the first-year increase of a three-year negotiated agreement (Unit 17 MOU) effective July 1, 2024. Placement within the range will be based upon qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The City Attorney’s Office has a 9/80 schedule with the Office closed every other Friday. Additionally, this position will have some degree of flexibility for remote work based on priorities and scheduling needs. The City also provides a generous benefits package, including CalPERS retirement.

This is a confidential process throughout all phases of the recruitment. Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive résumé, a compelling cover letter, and short writing sample no later than Monday, October 7, 2024 to apply@ralphandersen.com. Confidential inquiries should be directed to Ms. Heather Renschler, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at (916) 630-4900, or request an appointment to discuss further by contacting scheduling@ralphandersen.com.