Job Description

Assistant City Attorney

Open: September 18, 2025

Close Date: Open Until Filled – Applications will be reviewed as they are received.  

Salary: Salary offered will depend on qualifications and experience.

Assistant City Attorney I - $10,168 - $11,504/month – FLSA Exempt

Assistant City Attorney II - $11,223 - $12,699/month – FLSA Exempt

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION:

The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Assistant City Attorney.

The person in this position is responsible for ensuring that City criminal and infraction matters are prosecuted in an efficient, organized, and professional manner and City officials, management, staff, commissions, and councils are provided sound legal advice, quality assistance, and professional expertise.

Will keep the City Attorney informed about projects and issues of importance to staff; provide the City Attorney with accurate and timely information to support decision-making and policy direction. May be required to provide services as Acting City Attorney in the City Attorney’s absence.

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Juris doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent


• One year of experience in criminal prosecution, including trials


• Please note: Any combination of education, experience, and training that indicates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position listed above may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association


• Valid Washington State driver’s license and maintain an insurable driving record


• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) years of experience in municipal or related public sector law, including criminal prosecution or civil litigation


• Specific experience advising leadership in one or more of the following practice areas: zoning and land use, employment and labor relations, public records act and open public meetings, public works, bidding and purchasing, etc.


• Prior supervisory experience


• Bilingual English/Spanish

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of state statutes relating to municipal affairs, including local, state and federal civil and criminal laws and regulations; considerable knowledge of laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment and traffic; working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration; ability to discuss and address confidential matters of high sensitivity while exhibiting judgment and extensive knowledge of City policies and procedures, and state/federal laws.


• Skilled in conducting legal research, preparing memoranda, legal briefs, and other legal documents; skilled in operating the listed tools and equipment.


• Ability to establish and maintain cordial and collaborative working relationships with employees, City officials, the court system, and the general public; ability to administer a professional and efficient municipal legal department.


• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and courteous manner, verbally and in writing, using correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.


• Ability to prepare presentations and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format; ability to present information to a variety of audiences including Council, City management, legislators, public groups, and/or boards, commissions, or committees, in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.


• Ability to perform basic to intermediate mathematics required for the position.


• Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents; ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, other attorneys and the general public; read, interpret, apply and explain case law, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; and ability to prepare and make presentations in a persuasive manner to various audiences, including courts, hearing tribunals and lay (non-attorney) audiences.


• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write legal documents that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to senior management, public groups, and/or City Council.

Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, VEBA, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days. 

To apply for this position and view a complete job posting including detailed duties, responsibilities, and qualifications please visit the employment section of our website at . This position is open until Filled. EOE.

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