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Job Description
Description
CLOSING DATE: Continuous, the application filing may close any time after ten days from the issue date of this job announcement if sufficient qualified applications have been received. Postmarks are not acceptable; therefore, it is important to submit your application as soon as possible. First application review on May 22, 2026.
Interim position under direction of the City Council and in partnership with the City Attorney, provides executive management oversight of all legal matters and delivers strategic counsel to City Council, Mayor, City staff, Boards and Commissions; performs highly specialized and complex municipal, civil and criminal legal work in representing the City, including organization and supervision of department staff, and; Performs other work as required.
Representative Duties
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: Assumes full management responsibility in planning, organizing, and managing the operations of the City Attorney’s Office including supervision of professional and clerical staff; Directs and oversees all legal affairs, including disputes, administrative hearings, litigation, and regulatory matters; Determines and approves legal strategies, including the use and management of outside counsel; Directs and/or prepares complex statistical and narrative reports, correspondence, and other documents; Develops and administers department agreements and oversees department budget; Attends meetings of the City Council, Boards and Commissions; attends meetings, conferences, and workshops as assigned; makes presentations to various groups and individuals.
Click here for: Job Specification & Informational Brochure.
Minimum Qualifications
Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements:- A Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law; AND
- Ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law including five (5) years in California municipal law and three (3) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity. OR
- An equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience, which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
Licenses, Certificates or Special Requirements :- Possession of a valid California Class “C” driver’s license.
- Active member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.
Examination (Weighted: 100%)
Week of June 8, 2026 (Tentative)
An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required.
NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.
Full Summary of Benefits by Bargaining Unit:- Blue & White Miscellaneous Unit
- Fire Safety Unit
- Police Safety Unit
- Police Trainee Unit
- Supervisory & Management Unit
RETIREMENT: Benefits are provided by the City's participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). 2% @ 62 for new hire Miscellaneous and 2.7% @ 57 for Safety (Fire & Police). Visit the City's Retirement Info page for additional information. -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Bakersfield
Show moreAt over 413, 000 residents within the City of Bakersfield and another 100,000 in the metro area,
Bakersfield is the ninth largest city in California, ranked between Oakland and Anaheim. Uniquely placed
geographically, the successful candidate will be no more than a couple of hours drive from all things California,
whether that’s Disneyland, the Pacific Ocean, Sequoia’s Big Trees and Yosemite’s waterfalls, or the thrill of skiing
at Mammoth Mountain. Right here at home, the 30-mile paved Kern River Parkway Trail winds through preserved
riparian habitat where you might see rabbits, roadrunners, and other protected wildlife. Sunny year round,
Bakersfield does get hot in the summer, but this region’s Mediterranean climate provides for an
all-seasons lifestyle. Bakersfield is the nation’s top city for family activities. For more information
on things to do in Bakersfield, please visit The Visit Bakersfield Website.
The Bakersfield City Council is composed of seven members elected from the seven wards of the City on a nonpartisan basis to serve overlapping four-year terms. The Mayor is elected at-large to serve a four-year term as presiding officer at Council meetings and as the head of the City for legislative and ceremonial purposes.
The City’s tagline is “The Sound of Something Better” and our team strives to better the community on behalf of the residents we serve each and every day. The City also strives to ensure all team members are provided with a supportive and fulfilling working environment, with emphasis placed on professional development opportunities and career advancement planning. Our team members are frequently encouraged to participate in the City’s employee incentive, wellness and leadership development programs that are offered throughout the year, as well as position-specific training and educational opportunities. Employment with the City of Bakersfield is more than a job, it is being part of something better.
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