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The City of San Mateo Community Development Department is seeking a

Senior Development Review Technician

 

Why Join our Department?

The Community Development Department (CDD) is currently organized into four divisions — Building, Code Enforcement, Housing, and Planning. CDD has broad responsibilities including, but not limited to, long-range and current planning, development review, management and implementation of the City’s housing programs, and administering building permit services, ensuring the abatement of public nuisances, and ensuring the safety of San Mateo’s buildings. You will be joining a talented team in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment dedicated to serving the San Mateo community. The Community Development Department’s core function is to ensure a quality-built environment, healthy neighborhoods, and a strong economic base in the City. Collaboration, innovation, respect, transparency, thoughtfulness, and informed risk-taking are attributes and competencies that we are seeking in the candidates.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

 

What You’ll Do

The Senior Development Review Technician provides lead direction to technical and support staff; to perform a wide variety of complex and advanced technical duties requiring specialized knowledge related to building permits, planning applications and development; and to provide administrative support to assigned supervisor.  This is the advanced journey level in the Development Review Technician series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, including providing technical and functional supervision (day to day operations) over assigned personnel and performing the most complex duties assigned to the series.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of development review support duties.
• Assist the general public with questions regarding building and development review/permit requirements.
• Accept building permit and development review applications; act as lead on complicated plan check input and questions.
• Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Compile building related data as directed; prepare various reports.
• Perform the most difficult and complex work related to building permit and development review applications.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

The Senior Development Review Technician receives direction from the Permit Center Supervisor or higher level department personnel and exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned technical staff.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

 

About the Department

 

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

 

Position Duties

 

To review the full job description please click here

 

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

   

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy 

An exciting opportunity is now open.

Strategic Advisor – Housing Programs

$172,187 - $230,748 Annually DOQ

 

Opening Date: October 3, 2024

Closing Date: October 18, 2024

 

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is the county’s largest provider of affordable housing, helping make rental housing safe and affordable for approximately 20,000 low-income households.

How You Will Make an Impact:

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is seeking a senior management professional to lead the development of complex and comprehensive programmatic analyses for the Housing Department.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team, focusing on identifying and supporting initiatives that will serve as a crucial bridge between the Housing Department, the Finance team, and Impact and Innovation team, providing invaluable technical expertise and craft strategic approaches to enhance our housing assistance programs, including the Section 8 Program, Project-Based Vouchers, and MTW (Moving to Work) initiatives.

The ideal candidate will effectively monitor and manage the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) budget, ensuring optimal utilization and strict adherence to policies. You will engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, as well as with external partners, to evaluate and advance significant goals, concepts, initiatives, and activities that profoundly impact the Agency, its employees, and the communities we serve. Your leadership and collaborative spirit will be essential in fostering innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of our mission.

What Our Team Is Looking For:

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience likely to provide the required core competencies may be considered. A typical combination that is qualifying may include: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social or behavioral sciences, public or business administration or related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience in government assistance program and resident services administration and evaluation and financial analysis and reporting with three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.  
• A master’s degree is preferred.  

An exciting opportunity is now open.

Assistant Director of Housing

$172,187 - $230,748 Annually DOQ

 

Opening Date: October 3, 2024

Closing Date: October 18, 2024

 

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is the county’s largest provider of affordable housing, helping make rental housing safe and affordable for approximately 20,000 low-income households.

How You Will Make an Impact:

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is seeking an experienced leader to direct and manage the Housing Programs division and provide strategic oversight and support to Executive leadership while ensuring the effective operation of all programs and services within the division.

As a member of our team, we are looking for a candidate that has a strong understanding and connection to resident community and can champion a “lived experience” approach to service delivery to tailor programs and collaborate with partner agencies to meet the needs of residents.  

What Our Team Is Looking For:

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience likely to provide the required core competencies may be considered. A typical combination that is qualifying may include: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social or behavioral sciences, public or business administration or related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience in government assistance program and resident services administration and evaluation with three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.  
• A master’s degree is preferred.  

DEFINITION:

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Planning Department, including current and advanced planning, code enforcement, building permits, economic development, environmental sustainability, open space acquisition and management, and housing; coordinates assigned activities with other Town departments and outside agencies; other assigned duties, and provides complex administrative support to the Town Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a department head classification that oversees, directs and participates in all activities of the Planning Department, including short- and long-term planning, development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services.  This class serves as the Town’s professional expert on all matters related to the activities of the Planning Department.  Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of the public policy, municipal functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas.  Responsibilities include: coordinating the activities of the department with those of other local departments and agencies, managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department, and ensuring that services provided are of the highest quality. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering Town goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

This position works under the general guidance of the Town Manager and exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

City of San Bruno – Principal Planner

 

Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? The City of San Bruno, located adjacent to San Francisco International Airport, is seeking a passionate, forward-thinking Principal Planner to help shape the future of our community.

 

This is your opportunity to make a real impact by working on transformative projects and leading a team of dedicated planners, all while being part of a welcoming, innovative team.

 

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• A proven ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment, tackling complex planning challenges head-on.
• A natural talent for mentoring, training, and supporting less experienced planners—helping them grow and thrive in their roles.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling you to convey ideas clearly, concisely, and confidently.
• A knack for creative problem-solving, bringing innovative solutions to planning scenarios.
• Emotional intelligence that fosters strong relationships and smooth teamwork.
• Leadership that inspires others—leading by example with a positive, can-do attitude.

 

What We Offer:

As a Principal Planner with San Bruno, you’ll have the chance to take on meaningful management-level tasks that will strengthen the Planning Division and Community Development Department, including:

• Directly supervising 2 Assistant Planners, 2 Associate Planners, and possibly 1 Senior Planner (depending on your experience).
• Leading the City’s interdepartmental review team, working collaboratively across departments to move projects forward.
• Developing and refining systems and procedures that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our planning processes.

 

Why You’ll Love This Job:

In addition to the hands-on leadership experience, you’ll work side by side with the Community Development Director on several key citywide initiatives, where your voice and expertise will shape the future of San Bruno, including:

 

• Tanforan Redevelopment Project: Lead the City’s efforts as the main liaison for this ambitious 40-acre development by Alexandria Real Estate, transforming the site with retail, biotech offices, and residential units adjacent to BART. This is a career-defining project that will shape the city’s landscape for years to come.
• Citywide Planning Initiatives: You’ll also be a major player in:
  • Updating the Land Use, Safety, and Open Space Elements of the General Plan, developing a new Environmental Justice Element, and leading the City’s first Climate Action Plan.
  • Helping adopt new policies and regulations to implement the MTC Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy, Housing Element updates, and the reassessment of the Transit Corridor Plan (TCP) Specific Plan.

 

Depending on your skills and interests, you will have the opportunity to lead or support these key initiatives. We want to align these projects with your passions and professional goals, ensuring you’re in a position to make a difference while also growing your own career.

 

This is a chance to lead, innovate, and grow within a supportive, dynamic team that values collaboration and creativity. If you’re ready to take on exciting challenges and help shape the future of San Bruno, we encourage you to apply!

 

Salary & Benefits

The Principal Planner classification receives benefits under the Memorandum of Understanding between Teamsters Local 350 Mid-Management and City of San Bruno. Click here for the benefits summary. Highlights include:

• Salary range - $133,140 to $163,384 with automatic cost of living increase (COLA) of three percent (3.0%) effective January 2025.
• Retirement - CalPERS pension benefit 2.7% @ 55 for classic members; 2.0% @ 62 for PEPRA members. 
• Health & Welfare - Medical, dental, and vision benefits are provided for employee and eligible dependents under the Teamsters Local 856 Health & Welfare Trust Fund

The County Attorney’s Office of the County of San Mateo is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Deputy County Attorney II, III, or IV - Labor Standards Enforcement.

THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
The County Attorney’s Office (also referred to as the County Counsel’s Office) is the general counsel for the County of San Mateo and all of its departments, as well as for many school districts and special districts. As a large company might utilize its in-house counsel, our clients rely on our office for the full range of legal services, covering a broad spectrum of practice areas. The office's more than 30 attorneys handle nearly all of the County's civil litigation, including employment, contract, commercial, personal injury, probate matters, civil rights, child welfare, taxation, environmental law and impact litigation.
 
THE POSITION
The position will be a Deputy County Attorney II, III or IV, depending on the selected candidates’ experience and qualifications. The starting salary ranges from $154,856.00 to $272,459.20 depending upon the level of each position, but the job description and duties remain the same.
 
Recently the County Board of Supervisors passed a Resolution directing the County Executive to take the necessary steps to establish an Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE). The OLSE envisions all workers being paid a fair wage and treated respectfully in San Mateo County. The OLSE will provide outreach and education to workers and employers within the County about labor standards, including wage-per-hour requirements. The OLSE will also coordinate investigation and enforcement efforts regarding labor standard violations within the County. The OLSE will be a collaborative partnership between the Office of Racial and Social Justice, the County Attorney’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office, integrating the strengths across offices to implement the functions of the new OLSE for the County of San Mateo.
 
This position will advise the OLSE on all legal aspects of their work. This position will also review, triage, and investigate allegations of labor standard violations, calculate lost wages and penalties, communicate with employers regarding violations, negotiate restitution for impacted employees as needed, and file prosecutions of such violations, when appropriate. This position will serve as both in-house counsel to the OLSE as well as trial counsel for labor standard enforcement efforts. Because this is a new position supporting a new County function, it requires someone who is a self-starter with knowledge and experience of labor standards and wage and hour laws.  

 

Qualifications

 

• At least a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney is required;
• Experience with labor standards enforcement and or wage and hour litigation;
• Membership in good standing with the California Bar;
• A demonstrated history of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence;
• Ability to prioritize and manage several simultaneous projects under deadlines;
• Flexibility and eagerness to learn;
• Self-motivation;
• Ability to and a willingness to pitch in and help colleagues;
• Exceptional legal research and writing skills;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues to judges, arbitrators, a diverse range of clients, and members of the public;
• The ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues, community-based partners, community members, and clients;
• Impeccable ethics and professionalism; and
• Proficiency in Spanish a plus. 

 

Application/Examination

All applications containing the required materials are reviewed and, typically, multiple rounds of oral interviews are conducted with selected applicants. Selection of candidates for the positions will be made following oral interviews and reference checks.
 
Please combine the application materials into one PDF file and submit to: SMC-CountyAttorney@smcgov.org 
 
  Applicants must provide the following: 

• Resume, including educational and employment history, bar admission(s), listing bar number and dates of admission, scholastic and professional honors, and publications.
• One Writing Sample (preferably a substantive legal pleading or memorandum) not to exceed 20 pages in length.
• List of references, including at least one supervisor from the last two years and one peer attorney or client who has worked extensively with you.
• Cover Letter and/or attachment addressing the following:
• Why are you seeking a position with the Office of the County Attorney? 
• What are your short-term and long-range goals regarding the practice of law?
• What is the general nature of your current practice?
• Summarize any experience you may have practicing on behalf of public entities over the last five years.
• Summarize your experience in labor standards enforcement and/or wage and hour related law.
• Summarize your experience working with clients and community members with limited English proficiency. 
• Summarize your experience in court, administrative hearings, and/or arbitrations over the last five years.
• Please provide the name of your supervisor for each legal position held and indicate whether we may contact them at this time. If so, please provide their preferred contact information.
• Have you ever been fired or resigned after being requested to do so? If so, please explain.
• Please tell us how you learned of this opening.

All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 21, 2024. Late or incomplete entries may not be considered. 
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
General Information: Benefits include health, vision, and dental plans, as well as vacation, sick leave, and administrative/management leave time.
 
 Other Benefits Include:

• Employee Health and Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dependent Care Assistance Plan
• Voluntary Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Continuation of Coverage Program
• Basic and Additional Life Insurance
• Deferred Comp Plan
• Payment of State Bar Dues
• Payment of San Mateo County Bar Dues
• Teleworking up to two days per week following an initial six-month onsite training period

Additional information concerning all of the available employee benefits may be obtained in the 2024 Active Employee Benefits Guide and the 2024 Retiree Benefits Overview.

The Town of Los Gatos is recruiting for 

Associate Planner or Senior Planner

NEW Filing Deadline: October 27, 2024

 

$113,992.30 - $146,686.40 Annual Salary (Associate Planner)

$131,295.01 - $168,769.30 Annual Salary (Senior Planner)

**Plus excellent benefits and 3% salary increases scheduled for July 2025 and July 2026.**

The Opportunity: The Town of Los Gatos is recruiting for a Planner at the Associate or Senior level to perform a variety of professional planning work, research and analysis related to the Town’s Planning and Zoning Ordinances and assignments associated with land use, infrastructure, economic development, and the environment. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, as well as the physical, social, and economic concepts underlying planning functions, and the ability to present and explain these concepts to the public, is required. Planners are required to attend evening meetings and make public presentations to the Planning Commission, Town Council, and other stakeholders. 

 

• Associate Planner is the experienced journey level of the Planner series. Incumbents are assigned increasingly complex tasks, including planning projects of moderate complexity and scope. Work is performed in accordance with policies established by the Department Director, but considerable scope exists in which professional judgment may be exercised and technical decisions made. Incumbents are responsible for planning work that is technically difficult and requires the ability to independently interpret policies and to exercise sensitivity to public concerns.  
   
• Senior Planner is the advanced and supervisory classification of the Planner series. Incumbents are responsible for difficult planning work. Work is performed in accordance with policies established by the Department Director, but a great degree of latitude is given to exercise professional judgment and to make technical decisions. The Senior Planner supervises technical staff and manages large and complex planning projects involving difficult and sensitive policy issues. Senior Planners supervise and coordinate the work of assistant planners, planning technicians, and/or interns. 

Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, with evening meetings. This position is not eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule. 

 

The City of Westlake Village is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Associate Planner who has the ability to develop and maintain positive and ongoing relationships and interactions with the public, City staff, and consultants; the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner; and the appropriate skills in managing multiple projects and activities at the same time. The position will assist the Planning Director in administering the City’s Zoning Ordinances, General Plan, and various other programs in support of the City’s residents and businesses. A motivated and organized individual who enjoys being nimble and adaptive to the needs of the organization will thrive in this unique position.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

Deputy City Attorney I/II | Assistant City Attorney | Chief Assistant City Attorney

 

$11,504 to $13,983 monthly | $138,048 to $167,796 annually – Deputy City Attorney I

$12,683 to $15,417 monthly | $152,196 - $185,004 annually – Deputy City Attorney II

$14,908 to $18,121 monthly | $178,896 - $217,452 annually – Assistant City Attorney

$17,145 to $20,893 monthly | $205,740 - $250,716 annually – Chief Assistant City Attorney

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Apply by Wednesday, October 16, 2024, for first consideration

 

SUMMARY
The City is seeking to fill one key position at either the Deputy City Attorney I/II, Chief Assistant City Attorney, or an Assistant City Attorney classification/level. The successful candidate in the position will be joining the City’s passionate and skilled mid-management or executive team that inspires creative thinking and engagement, proactively pursues actions to ensure that San Rafael continues to be an amazing place to be, provides effective and easy access to City services, and supports work-life balance. If you are looking for a career where you can work in a fast-paced and positive environment, initiate and manage exciting projects, and be part of a dynamic leadership team, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

THE COMMUNITY

Marin County’s first incorporated City, San Rafael lies midway between San Francisco and California’s famous Sonoma and Napa wine countries. With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael serves as the county seat and is the premier economic, financial, cultural, and service center. The City offers both a small-town feel and a lively urban atmosphere. Famous for its favorable climate, San Rafael makes a central base for taking day trips to scenic locations such as the Sonoma/Napa wine country, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods. Surrounded by open space and the bay, San Rafael is a vibrant city in an incomparably beautiful natural setting.

San Rafael has a varied and rich economy fueled by high tech, entertainment, financial, service-oriented businesses, and industrial businesses. The City is home to major employers such as BioMarin and Kaiser Permanente and offers residents and visitors alike an array of regional retailers in addition to unique local shops. San Rafael is also one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Marin County. The City’s residential neighborhoods are distinctive, each with its own history, character, and identity. There is a wide diversity of housing, and the City is committed to creating and maintaining housing that is affordable to low/moderate income residents, the general workforce, families, and older adults. 

THE ORGANIZATION

Welcome to the City of San Rafael, the “City with a Mission!” The City of San Rafael has an outstanding team of public servants who pride themselves on delivering quality and customer focused services to the community. In 2022, the City was voted one of the top three Best Places to Work in local government by ELGL, a nationally recognized organization in the United States. The City was recognized for its cross-departmental work that is key to advancing community programs and projects. A strong emphasis on innovation, equity, and a commitment to providing ongoing learning opportunities to staff are just some of the perks that make San Rafael the Best Place to Work!

The City Council is highly engaged and seeks to: strengthen and promote the urban and commercial areas; facilitate measures to develop new, needed housing; be in the forefront on sustainability and planning for climate change; and protect the beautiful, natural environment that is part of the community setting. The City of San Rafael is a full-service charter city and functions under a City Council/City Manager form of government and has an annual budget for fiscal year 2023-24 of $172 million, with over 400 employees. City departments include the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Community Development, Fire, Library and Recreation, Police, Economic Development, and Public Works.

THE JOB

At the helm of the City’s legal leadership is a part-time elected City Attorney, Rob Epstein, who has served for seventeen years as San Rafael’s City Attorney with dedication and expertise. An elected City Attorney is fairly rare (a total of 10 statewide) and the part-time position is even more unique. For many years, this distinctive structure has delivered an effective combination of elected political leadership with professional legal support for the City. In this model, the elected City Attorney sits as a trusted counterpart to the elected City Council, providing both legal advice and political leadership.

In addition to the elected part-time City Attorney, the City’s legal office is comprised of two full-time attorneys and one legal assistant. The legal team has been known for its collegial, respectful, and inclusive environment. The City Attorney’s Office also oversees and collaborates with various outside legal counsel, focusing on areas such as land development, human resources, tort litigation, and labor negotiations. 

Due to the part-time nature of the position, the elected City Attorney does not manage or oversee the daily operations of the City’s legal affairs. Instead, this responsibility falls to a strong Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney, who provides operational leadership and management. While the elected City Attorney offers high-level legal oversight and representation, the Chief Assistant/Assistant City Attorney and support staff handle the bulk of the legal work, ensuring the City’s legal needs are met efficiently and effectively. The Deputy City Attorney will also work with departments to draft and review contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for daily operations, provide legal support and guidance on PRAs, and conducts legal research and prepares reports or memoranda, and make recommendations to the elected City Attorney. This structure balances the benefits of elected accountability and experience with the necessity of onsite professional legal expertise in managing the City’s legal affairs.

Deputy City Attorney I/II

This classification is part of the Mid-Management employee group, a team of highly qualified and dedicated individuals who work under general direction and supervision of their department Directors. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Consults with and provides legal advice to staff in various departments of the Cit. It is anticipated that that a key role of the new attorney will be to consult and support Human Resources with Labor Relations, Discipline, Investigations, ADA, and EEO issues, while also representing and consulting with other client departments.
• Reviews staff reports and advises staff on complex and controversial legal matters.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Represents the City at various City Council, commission and community meetings.
• Performs legal research and prepares opinions on various legal issues for City departments.
• Represents the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal court and in administrative proceedings.
• Represents the City in arbitration hearings.

Assistant City Attorney and Chief Assistant City Attorney
Both classifications are executive management positions under the general direction and supervision of the part-time elected City Attorney. There is a high level of direct communication, coordination, and collaboration with the City Manager and two Assistant City Managers. Both classifications would be part of the City’s executive leadership team and support the City Manager’s Office directly.

Assistant City Attorney

Executive & Operational Management

The Assistant City Attorney focuses on delivering and overseeing the City’s legal services and providing direct legal support to City departments and City staff. 

Both the Chief Assistant City Attorney and City Attorney perform all of the traditional legal duties found in municipal legal operations such as, but not limited to:

• Ability to act as Acting City Attorney when part-time elected City Attorney is not available.
• Perform legal research; review and apply laws, rules, cases and ordinances; and prepare opinions on various legal issues.
• Proactively identify legal risks and develop strategies to reduce and manage those risks.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of outside counsel engaged by the City for special legal issues and litigation matters.
• Negotiate and draft and/or approve contract forms, complex contracts, deeds, leases and other legal documents and instruments.
• Prepare complex and routine opinions; advise City Council and staff regarding proposed courses of action and City policy.
• Represent the City at various City Council, board, and commissions meetings and in court as assigned, and render legal advice on agenda items.
• Represent the City in civil and some criminal matters in both state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff attorneys and support staff.

Chief Assistant City Attorney

Executive, Operational and Strategic Partnership

The Chief Assistant City Attorney also manages the responsibilities outlined in the Assistant City Attorney and additionally handles the most complex legal issues in partnership with the City Manager and in support of the part-time elected City Attorney. The Chief Assistant City Attorney acts as a key advisor and strategic partner to the City Manager, and at times the City Council. The Chief Assistant City Attorney functions with a high level of executive level autonomy and independence.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidates will bring legal municipal expertise, a passion for public service, and a commitment to advancing the best interests of our community. This individual will play a pivotal role in providing sound legal counsel to City officials, ensuring compliance with municipal laws, and contributing to the overall success of our City’s operations.  Top contenders will also be skillful at analyzing and preparing a wide variety of complex legal documents. 

• Legal Expertise - Strategic and forward-thinking legal advisor who can operate at a high-level to provide advice and counsel on municipal operations. Strong understanding of public sector legal issues. Excellent at legal research, analysis, and writing.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Resourceful at building collaborative solutions and negotiating with diverse stakeholders to find positive solutions.

• Ethical & Strong Work Ethic - High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity.  Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines and to move matters to resolution. A proactive and results-oriented approach to legal issues.

• Collaborative, Communicator and Politically Astute - Cooperative and collaborative relationship builder. Creative problem solver. Excellent communication skills with the ability to concisely and effectively explain complex legal issues in lay terms. Astute political sense, without being politically aligned.

• Commitment to Public Service - A deep commitment to serving the public and enhancing the quality of life in our community.  Ability to balance legal responsibilities with the strategic goals of the city.  Dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.

We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about public service and eager to make a meaningful impact on our community to apply for this rewarding opportunity. The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, dependable, results-oriented, and highly ethical leader with a proven track record for providing excellent and practical legal advice on a range of municipal law topics in both advisory and litigation roles. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• Active Membership in the State Bar of California.
• Valid California driver’s license, AND
• Experience:
  • Deputy City Attorney I: No minimum municipal legal experience necessary
  • Deputy City Attorney II: 2 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Assistant City Attorney: 6 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law.
  • Chief Assistant City Attorney: 8 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law plus 2 years of responsible management and administrative experience.

SEARCH SCHEDULE

This position is open until filled with a first resume review date of Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Preliminary interviews – in person preferred: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Finalist interview with City Manager’s Office – in person: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

These dates have been confirmed, it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.