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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Desirable: Litigation experience
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Serves as legal counsel and attends meetings of boards and commissions.
- May act as legal advisor to County offices and departments.
- Prepares formal legislative measures, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, contracts, leases, and other legal instruments.
- Prosecutes and defends civil actions on behalf of the County and special districts in federal and state court, appellate courts, and various administrative bodies.
- Confers with and advises officers of County departments and representatives of special districts on questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions, and obligations.
- May provide lead direction and act as a legal resource to other professional staff.
- Assists the County Counsel, Assistant County Counsel, and Chief Deputy County Counsels as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Level I
None
Level II
One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III
Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of civil law.
Level IV
One (1) year of experience as a Deputy County Counsel III with Merced County. OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations; develop appropriate conclusions.
- Meet deadlines under stressful conditions; complete multiple projects with conflicting deadlines.
- Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
- Maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:- The Government Code and other California statutes, and their application to governmental subdivisions.
- The principle of civil, constitutional, and administrative laws.
- Legal research methods.
- Principle of staff training and project coordination.
Ability to:- Perform difficult legal research.
- Analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to specific local government problems.
- Develop legal issues and present clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law.
- Draft ordinances, contracts, and legal instruments.
- Train subordinate staff.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
May receive, depending upon classification, 96 hours per Fiscal Year.
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled consecutive workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s )
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Management Disability Insurance - Unit 20 Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
- Level A & B $85,000
- Level C $55,000
- Level D & E $35,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Serves as legal counsel and attends meetings of boards and commissions.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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