Assistant Attorney-Water and Environmental

JOB LOCATION 15151 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1555 Cit y  of Aurora ,  Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:   Integrity ,   Respect, Professionalism , and   Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES SALARY Hiring range: $99,204.78 - $124,005.97 Full Compensation Grade: $99,204.78 - $155,007.46 OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT The Aurora City Attorney’s Office is seeking a lawyer with an interest in water law, litigation and environmental law to join its growing team of talented legal professionals. The individual will represent the City of Aurora and its Utility Enterprise, Aurora Water, and appear in Colorado Water Court. The individual will advise Aurora Water on legal matters, including adjudication of water rights. The position will be classified as an Assistant City Attorney. The Aurora City Attorney’s Office follows a hybrid work structure. Employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case-related tasks), but can otherwise work remotely or from the office, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Effective the first day of employment, the individuals selected must maintain Colorado residency. All applications must include a Writing Sample, Resume, and Cover Letter. Applications received without these items will not be reviewed. Early applications are encouraged; this post may close early as soon as a sufficient pool of qualified candidates have applied. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Serves as counsel and in assisting roles in all aspects of Water Court litigation, including preparation of pleadings; responses and objections; handling water court hearings; taking and defending depositions; securing experts; interviewing witnesses; updating clients; and representing Aurora Water at trial Performs legal research and can succinctly draft persuasive pleadings, informative memoranda, and audience-appropriate correspondence Advises and consults with Aurora Water staff on legal matters -- determining the nature of legal problems and counseling based on legal expertise and experience Acts as legal counsel to Aurora Water, including providing legal advice on water rights, ditch company governance, acquisitions, intergovernmental agreements, legislation, drafting ordinances and resolutions Review and provide feedback on proposed legislation that affects Aurora Water and its water rights and service Represents Aurora Water in administrative hearings and rulemakings Provides legal counsel to various Boards and Commissions Performs direct legal service on a variety of matters concerning and/or related to the Charter, Ordinances, or rules and regulations of the City   Responds to requests from Aurora Water staff and members of City Council and presents information during City Council Meetings and Executive Sessions Performs other related duties as assigned This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education:  Graduation from an accredited law school. Licenses and Certifications Required:  Applicants must be licensed to practice or have the ability to become licensed w/in 6 months by the Colorado Supreme Court and be in good standing Experience: For Assistant City Attorney: 3 years of experience in law - Required Prior experience in litigation, water or environmental law - Preferred Prior experience working with Federal, State and local governmental entities and Colorado water law entities including Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado State Land Board, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, municipal water conservancy and conservation districts - Preferred Genuine interest to learn Colorado water law and water rights, to include: Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water, Storage rights, Augmentation Plans, Short term water leases, Substitute Supply Plans Required Knowledge: Knowledge of the basic substantive areas of water law and the ability to conduct legal research, and write motions and briefs Knowledge of procedural rules Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and local court rules Utilizes knowledge and abilities obtained through law school education and prior legal experience to conduct research, draft legal documents, provide sound advice to City staff, and/or participate in litigation Knowledge of general office procedures, legal terminology, legal forms, computers including related word processing software applications, legal research and writing  Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods  Skills:  Skill in court pleadings