Chief Counsel of Infrastructure & Recreation

The Chief Counsel of Infrastructure and Recreation, under the broad policy and guidance of the City Attorney, performs a variety of complex, high level administrative and professional work in representing the Public Works, Water, and Parks Departments of the City, rendering legal advice to the City Council, Mayor, City Manager, and staff. Serves as the City’s primary counsel to the Public Works Department, Water Department, Parks Department and Building Services. Conducts legal research and advises Department staff on routine matters in protecting the interests of the City as they relate to Public Works and Water related to planning, infrastructure, eminent domain/condemnation, and other related operations; and, Parks as to contracts, infrastructure and other Parks related operations and functions.

Salary range: $118,229 - $141,874

JOB SCOPE:

Performs professional legal and administrative work providing legal services to the assigned Departments, including advice on real estate acquisition and sale, eminent domain/condemnation, preparation of contracts and other legal documents, and completes general and at times special municipal law projects for the Civil Division of the Law Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as Law Department’s primary liaison to Public Works Department, including the Airport, and provides support for legal, administrative and operational issues of the Department related to City business.
• Serves as Law Department’s primary liaison to the Water Department and provides support for legal, administrative and operational issues of the Department related to City business.
• Serves as Law Department’s primary liaison to the Parks Department and provides support for legal, administrative and operational issues of the Department related to City business.
• Serves as Law Department’s primary liaison to Building Services.
• Serves generally in a support role for eminent domain litigation but may be assigned as primary counsel for such matters.
• Reviews legal documents, prepares and approves as to form; assists in negotiation of proposed agreements.
• Prepares, reviews, and revises ordinances, resolutions, deeds, pleadings, contracts and other legal documents.
• Researches, studies, and provides legal interpretations and recommendations on a variety of issues.
• Interprets City Codes, Ordinances and policies.
• Reviews bankruptcy claims and files any appropriate claims

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends Public Works Committee Meetings and may attend City Council meetings as needed or assigned by City Attorney.
• May be required to attend Parks Board meetings as assigned by the City Attorney
• May serve as backup to City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney, as assigned by the City Attorney.
• May be appointed to the Prosecution division as needed. Chief Counsel of Infrastructure and Recreation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor Degree required.
• State of Missouri License to practice law required and
• Minimum of five years’ experience in legal field required; significant progressive experience in municipal or other government law preferred, including experience working with elected officials and public and
• Minimum of three years’ experience in municipal contracting, real property practice, municipal law or construction law preferred and
• Admission to federal Western District of Missouri, bankruptcy and Eighth Circuit required at the time of hire or must be eligible and be admitted within ninety (90) days of hire. Must be capable of admission to district level courts within six (6) months of hire date

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of sources for researching municipal, state, federal and common law; knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; knowledge of methods of legal research and forms of contracts; knowledge of municipal law, public utility law, inter-governmental relationships, real estate, contract law, risk management, employment law and labor agreements.
• Knowledge, skills and some experience in drafting of pleadings, discovery and briefs for court proceedings.
• Skills in analyzing complex legal and factual situations and issues. Excellent skills in written and oral communication and legal research.
• Ability to work with elected officials, staff members, and the public effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to make decisions, work independently, work under stress and pressure, prioritize and effectively advise on legal issues.
• If assisting in the Prosecution division, the ability or option to carry a concealed weapon with proper training and as authorized by the Chief of Police in City Policy 409.2 and Missouri statute Section 5771.030.