Associate City Attorney (Prosecutor)

Salary : $94,536.00 - $120,960.00 Annually

Location : Puyallup, WA

Job Type: Regular Full-time

Job Number: LG-24-ADM-002

Department: LEGAL

Opening Date: 09/04/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Definition

The City of Puyallup is seeking an experienced and self-motivated Associate City Attorney to join its prosecution team.
The team has three attorneys and one paralegal, supervised by the Deputy City Attorney.


It is impactful to join Team Puyallup and provide meaningful work in support of public service and the wellbeing of our community.
We value our culture of demonstrating excellence in our work, being service focused, supporting collaboration, and having integrity in all that we do.
We encourage those that share these values to apply to our open positions and/or forward to colleagues who may be ready for their next career advancement opportunity.


The successful candidate will represent the City in criminal misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases filed in Puyallup Municipal Court.
The person in this position is expected to exercise sound professional judgment and conduct throughout the performance of his or her duties.


The in-house City Attorney manages the City's legal affairs.
The Prosecution team is comprised of three in-house prosecuting attorneys, two support staff, one part time Rule 9 intern, and one Domestic Violence Victim's Advocate.
Police services for the City are provided by the Puyallup Police Department, a 98 member agency.


The City's Municipal Court is located in at 929 E. Main, Puyallup, WA.
The Court has one full-time elected Judge and it's own probation department.
Court is held every day between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
The Court uses the online court document system OCourts for all pleas and court documents.
Presently most calendars are held in person, with two pre-trial calendars being held by ZOOM each week.


HIRING INCENTIVE, SALARY AND BENEFITS Hiring Bonus of $10,000 for the successful candidate hired by the City of Puyallup.
The candidate must remain with the city at least one year from date of hire, or otherwise will need to repay the bonus.


Annual Salary is $94,536 - $120,960.
Benefits: The City of Puyallup offers highly competitive, well regarded Group Insurance.
Medical premiums are modest the first year, and when an employee meets the wellness program incentive one calendar year then the next year's premiums are 100% paid by the city.
Group insurance includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents, plus life and long-term disability insurance coverage for employees.
The employee will enjoy participation in the state retirement program and VEBA program, and can participate in optional deferred compensation.
Essential Functions This Associate City Attorney position is responsible for the prosecution of violations of the City's criminal and civil codes; Such duties include, but are not limited to, reviewing cases, preparing cases for filing, contacting witnesses, preparing documents to be filed in court, preparing cases for trial, trying cases in municipal court, and briefing and arguing appeals before the superior court, courts of appeal, and various administrative bodies; This position also advises the Police Department regarding criminal matters; The Associate City Attorney, on a limited basis, may perform some duties relating to civil legal services and may be required to attend City Council meetings and meetings of other administrative bodies; Operates computers utilizing a variety of software programs, including word processing, database and spreadsheet applications, to produce documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar; Establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work; Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and confidential materials; Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance; and Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles, practices and procedures of criminal law; Case preparation and litigation techniques; Municipal government structure, operations, jurisdiction and issues; Organization and analysis of case facts and legal precedents; Federal, state and local jurisdictional aspects of criminal justice system; and Legal research methodology.
Ability to: Provide advisory, litigation and administrative support services to City departments; Perform comprehensive legal research on matters impacting City operations; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Work independently with little direction; Prepare and review legal opinions, contracts, ordinances, resolutions and other legal documents; Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of work; and Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree; or a combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above.
Trial experience in civil or criminal law preferred.
Experience in municipal law or general work in the government sector preferred.
Special Qualifications: Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
Possession of or the ability to obtain, and maintain throughout employment, a valid Washington State driver's license.
Physical Characteristics and Work Environment

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and communicate with others.
Constant fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc.
Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities.
Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position.
Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office and court areas.
Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25?pound documents, materials, file boxes, etc.
Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials.
Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment.
Works indoors in a climate-controlled office environment with low noise levels.


SELECTION PROCESSApplicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience, a resume, and a writing sample.
Notification - Following submission of application, an email acknowledgment receipt of application is given.
Persons selected for an interview and/or testing will be notified by email, normally within 15 working days following the closing date on the job announcement.

Not Selected - No formal notification is usually sent by the City to applicants not selected for an interview or test.
Should the same or another position open for which the applicant wishes to apply, he/she must apply online for each new opening.

GENERAL INFORMATION Essential Functions - The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.

Hours of Work - Full time, Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm.
This position will be eligible to remote work up to one day per week, dependent upon legal and court operations.

FLSA Status - This is a FLSA Exempt position.

Union Affiliation - This position is a non-represented position.

Equal Employment Opportunity - The City of Puyallup is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran's status or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.

Background - The City of Puyallup will need to obtain the proper background and criminal history information pursuant to RCW 43.43.830/832 for positions where the employee will or may have unsupervised access to children, developmentally delayed persons or vulnerable adults.

Disability - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability will be considered only in the context of an applicant's ability to perform essential functions of the job and to determine reasonable accommodation.
Accommodation to participate in the job application and/or selection process for employment will be made upon request with reasonable notice.
Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information.
The physical demands described in this job announcement are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Identification - Applicants who are offered employment with the City are required to provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States within three days of date of hire, as required by the 1986 Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act.
A list of acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work will be provided to those who are offered employment.
The City uses E-Verify program.

Drug-Free Workplace -The City of Puyallup is a drug-free, tobacco-free workplace.

Note - The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.


We take care of our employees through a robust and well-rounded benefit program.

The City of Puyallup cares about your and your family's well-being.
We strive to provide one of the best benefits plans in the area and offer coverage to you and your family at minimal cost.
The city supports your work-life balance by offering impressive benefit and leave options.


The highlights include the following: Flexible work schedule and telework options. Professional learning opportunities including supervisory and leadership development. Excellent health insurance offered: Medical, dental, vision, orthodontia, and prescription plans.
Our employees are provided with a wellness program, and if successful in completing the wellness program our employees can achieve a zero premium share plan.
Participation in Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Optional deferred compensation plans are also available.
Paid Leave: Generous paid vacation, sick and holiday leave available for immediate use.
Tuition reimbursement. Onsite workout facilities and fitness membership at the Puyallup Recreation Center.