Deputy County Attorney

** Early applications are encouraged**

*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.

*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position. 

Reporting to the County Attorney, the Deputy County Attorney ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, while maintaining ethical standards and providing high-quality legal support to the organization.

• Provide legal counsel and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, county departments, county staff, and elected officials on various legal issues.

• Represent the County in civil litigation, including preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, and presenting cases in federal, state and local courts.

• Draft and review contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Prosecute and defend civil and administrative proceedings in which the County is a party.

• Assist in guiding legal aspects of county policies, procedures, and operations.

• Advise on legal issues related to land use, zoning, environmental law, public finance, labor relations, employment law, and water law.

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda as required.

• Collaborate with the County Attorney and other members of the legal team on legal strategies and case management.

• Support compliance with state statutes and federal mandates, including open meeting laws and public records requirements.

• Attend and participate in meetings and executive sessions of the Board of County Commissioners and other citizen boards and commissions as required.

• Collaborate with external legal counsel on specialized legal matters as needed.

• May perform functions in the absence of the County Attorney as assigned.

• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.

• Support the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff.

• 3+ years experience as a practicing attorney, including 2+ years of experience practicing law in Colorado.

• Juris Doctor (J.D) from an accredited law school.

• Admission to and a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar or authorized to practice law in Colorado. 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License. 

Knowledge Of:

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices.

• Project management principles, practices and methods.

• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.

• Organizational and community planning.

• Public policy processes.

Skill In:

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities and providing coaching and feedback

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations

• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines

• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

• Work is performed in a standard office environment. Late meetings and off-site visits may be required.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.