City Attorney
Apply NowCompany: City of Punta Gorda, FL
Location: Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Description:
Salary : $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 Annually
Location : Punta Gorda, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0401225
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 04/01/2025
Description
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Additional hours, including weekends and holidays may be required.
Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the elected City Council, the City Attorney will provide legal and administrative work of a highly responsible nature in directing the legal activities of the city and provide legal counsel to city officials and management staff. The City Attorney is a contract employee.
Example Of Duties
Essential FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be offered to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The essential duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney include, without limitation, those duties and responsibilities described in the Punta Gorda Charter and the following:
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Residency in the Punta Gorda City limits is a requirement for this position.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
Supplemental Information
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time
Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time
N/A = Not applicable
Physical SkillsConstantFrequentOccasionalN/AHeavy lifting (45 lbs.. and over)
XModerate lifting (15 to 44 lbs.)
XLight lifting (under 15 lbs.)
X
Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over)
XModerate carrying (14 to 44 lbs.)
XLight carrying (under 15 lbs.)
X
Reaching above shoulder
X
Use of fingers
X
Both hands required
X
Climbing (use of legs and arms)
XClimbing (legs only)
X
Good near visionX
Good distant vision
X
Both eyes required
XDepth perception
XDistinguishing basic colors
X
Distinguishing shades of colors
X
Good hearing (with or without hearing aid)X
Straight pulling
XPulling hand over hand
XPushing
XWalking
X
Standing
X
Crawling
X
Kneeling
X
Bending
X
Balancing
XStooping
X
Jumping
XRunning
XThrowing
XDriving (cars, small vans, pick-ups, etc.)
X
Driving & operating (heavy equip., trucks, etc.)
XEnvironmental Conditions:
Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time
Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time
N/A = Not applicable
EnvironmentConstantFrequentOccasionalN/AWork InsideX
Work Outside
X
In the Heat
X
In the Cold
X
In High Humidity
X
In Dampness or Chilliness
X
In Dry Conditions
X
In or with Noisy Conditions
XIn Darkness
XIn or with Dusty Conditions
XWith Silica, Asbestos, etc.
XWith Fumes or Gases
XWith Smoke or Flames
XWith Chemicals
XWith Solvents
XWith Grease or Oils
XWith Radiant Energy
XWith Electrical Energy
XOn Slippery Surfaces
XOn Uneven Surfaces
X
In or With Moving Objects
XIn or With Ladders/Scaffolding
XAt Heights above Ground Level
XBelow Ground Level
XIn Water
X
With Explosives
XWith Poor Ventilation
XWith Odors
XWith Unusual Fatigue Factors
X
Disclaimers:
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Individuals who cannot perform some of the requirements because they pose health or safety risks to themselves, or other employees may be excluded from this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by this supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATEMENT:
Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees may be subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.
It is the policy of the City of Punta Gorda to recognize and fulfill its commitment to the community in the area of Equal Employment Opportunity. The City will not knowingly permit discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other conditions of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
The City of Punta Gorda considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Disclaimer: The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Location : Punta Gorda, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 0401225
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 04/01/2025
Description
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Additional hours, including weekends and holidays may be required.
Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the elected City Council, the City Attorney will provide legal and administrative work of a highly responsible nature in directing the legal activities of the city and provide legal counsel to city officials and management staff. The City Attorney is a contract employee.
Example Of Duties
Essential FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be offered to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The essential duties and responsibilities of the City Attorney include, without limitation, those duties and responsibilities described in the Punta Gorda Charter and the following:
- Preparation for, and attendance at, all regular meetings of the city council and such other meetings of the city council.
- Provide guidance and legal advice on sunshine law, Robert's rules of order, or other meeting procedures and board rules.
- Consultation with city staff of various departments and divisions of the city on matters affecting their operations.
- Advise, research and assist the city in a wide variety of legal areas including but not limited to: budgets, bonds, public disclosure issues, land use law, property rights, public utilities, building codes, real estate law, contract law, environment law, purchasing and procurement, etc.
- Preparation, interpretation, and implementation of all ordinances, regulations, deeds, and resolutions of the city.
- Advice concerning land development regulations, comprehensive plans, etc. Prepare documents necessary for land purchases and/or sales including development of proper legal descriptions for such real estate transactions.
- Review of all contracts, agreements, leases, grants, impact fees, property taxes, special assessments, or franchises involving the city.
- Review of code amendments and easements.
- Court appearances as necessary.
- Advise the city on all matters regarding elections including annual elections, applicable initiatives, and referendums.
- Perform such related duties and responsibilities directed by the Council from time to time.
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Residency in the Punta Gorda City limits is a requirement for this position.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of Florida's Government in the Sunshine (Chapter 286) and open records statutes (Chapter 119), and how they impact governmental meetings and communications.
- Knowledge of city ordinances and charter provisions, and state, federal and constitutional law.
- Knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence and methods of legal research.
- Knowledge of established precedents and sources of legal reference applicable to municipal activities.
- Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in conducting research on complex legal matters and preparing sound legal opinions.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, management staff, subordinates and the public.
- Ability to supervise the work of subordinates, delegate and review work assignments.
- Ability to research, analyze and prepare a wide variety of complex legal documents.
Supplemental Information
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Graduation from law school (Juris Doctorate degree), membership of good standing in the Florida Bar, and licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
- Board certification by the Florida Bar in the field of City, County, and Local Government Law is preferred.
- 7 years of experience practicing law preferably in a government agency preferred but not required
Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time
Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time
N/A = Not applicable
Physical SkillsConstantFrequentOccasionalN/AHeavy lifting (45 lbs.. and over)
XModerate lifting (15 to 44 lbs.)
XLight lifting (under 15 lbs.)
X
Heavy carrying (45 lbs. and over)
XModerate carrying (14 to 44 lbs.)
XLight carrying (under 15 lbs.)
X
Reaching above shoulder
X
Use of fingers
X
Both hands required
X
Climbing (use of legs and arms)
XClimbing (legs only)
X
Good near visionX
Good distant vision
X
Both eyes required
XDepth perception
XDistinguishing basic colors
X
Distinguishing shades of colors
X
Good hearing (with or without hearing aid)X
Straight pulling
XPulling hand over hand
XPushing
XWalking
X
Standing
X
Crawling
X
Kneeling
X
Bending
X
Balancing
XStooping
X
Jumping
XRunning
XThrowing
XDriving (cars, small vans, pick-ups, etc.)
X
Driving & operating (heavy equip., trucks, etc.)
XEnvironmental Conditions:
Code: Constant = 2/3 or more of the time
Frequent = from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
Occasional = up to 1/3 of the time
N/A = Not applicable
EnvironmentConstantFrequentOccasionalN/AWork InsideX
Work Outside
X
In the Heat
X
In the Cold
X
In High Humidity
X
In Dampness or Chilliness
X
In Dry Conditions
X
In or with Noisy Conditions
XIn Darkness
XIn or with Dusty Conditions
XWith Silica, Asbestos, etc.
XWith Fumes or Gases
XWith Smoke or Flames
XWith Chemicals
XWith Solvents
XWith Grease or Oils
XWith Radiant Energy
XWith Electrical Energy
XOn Slippery Surfaces
XOn Uneven Surfaces
X
In or With Moving Objects
XIn or With Ladders/Scaffolding
XAt Heights above Ground Level
XBelow Ground Level
XIn Water
X
With Explosives
XWith Poor Ventilation
XWith Odors
XWith Unusual Fatigue Factors
X
Disclaimers:
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Individuals who cannot perform some of the requirements because they pose health or safety risks to themselves, or other employees may be excluded from this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by this supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATEMENT:
Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees may be subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.
It is the policy of the City of Punta Gorda to recognize and fulfill its commitment to the community in the area of Equal Employment Opportunity. The City will not knowingly permit discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other conditions of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
The City of Punta Gorda considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Disclaimer: The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.