*You must complete an online application at www.sbcountyjobs.com to be considered for this position.

• Deputy County Counsel II Salary: $100,705.63 - $121,426.55 Annually
• Deputy County Counsel III Salary: $115,849.77 - $139,920.52 Annually

THE POSITION

We are currently accepting applications to fill one full-time Deputy County Counsel II/III position in Santa Barbara for the Office of County Counsel.

We are also establishing one employment list for future full-time, part-time and extra-help (temporary) vacancies in the Office of County Counsel. Please select all job types and locations you are willing to accept for current and future vacancies.

The current vacancy is for an advisory or transactional attorney to handle contract review, conduct legal research, provide legal advice, and handle some litigation.

The applicant may have the opportunity to discuss a long-term hybrid or fully remote work schedule contingent upon the needs of the department.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan. The County also contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. There is voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION:

Under general direction, the Deputy County Counsel performs professional legal work, including civil litigation; prepares legal pleadings and gives legal counsel to assigned departments, boards, and districts; and, does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Deputy County Counsel I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Deputy County Counsel I is the entry-level class in this professional series in which incumbents receive orientation and training and are expected to progress to the class of Deputy County Counsel II within a reasonable length of time. Incumbents in the Deputy County Counsel III class handle the more difficult legal tasks while Deputy County Counsel IV incumbents handle the most difficult and complex cases and assist with training. Deputy County Counsel, Senior incumbents supervise, advise, and counsel attorneys involved in civil procedures and assist in directing the activities of the Office of County Counsel.

Candidates may be appointed at the II or III level depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the needs of the department.

Incumbents must be willing and able to travel throughout the County.

About the Department: Santa Barbara County's Office of County Counsel offers a great career opportunity for attorneys seeking meaningful work in the public sector. Our work impacts a broad range of significant legal issues in beautiful Santa Barbara County. We support the County's elected and appointed decision-makers, its advisory boards and commissions, and the departments that implement the County's operations and programs.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Strong legal research and analytical skills;
• Two or more years of experience advising public entities including drafting or reviewing ordinances; reviewing contracts; researching and writing legal opinions; and advising boards, departments, special districts, and commissions and handling civil litigation;
• Ability to research, analyze, and present complex legal issues and arguments clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team;
• Ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities;
• Good professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, and anticipating consequences of decisions and recommendations;
• Ability to remain calm and act professionally, even under stress; and
• Adaptability, a positive attitude, impeccable character, and strong commitment to public service.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs;
• Prepares legal pleadings such as complaints, answers, demurrers, discovery, appeals, and judgments;
• Confers with and advises county, district, employees, and representatives on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, and obligations;
• Drafts or reviews ordinances, resolutions, and other legislative measures;
• Represents the county in lawsuits by or against the county; prepares and/or reviews contracts, agreements, leases, and deeds for legality; and
• Conducts or assists with administrative hearings before state and county agencies; engages in legal research; and performs related work such as preparing petitions and dictating legal instruments, reports, and correspondence.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

• One year of experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or two years in the practice of general civil law; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy County Counsel I with the County of Santa Barbara; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of appointment.

Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of the county, the courts, school and special districts, and other public agencies; civil law codes and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law; code of Professional Conduct and Rules of Ethics.

Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; engage in legal research; work effectively with others.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 06/05/2023 by 4:59 PM PST. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,705.00 - $121,426.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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