Assistant City Attorney Senior Civil

Assistant City Attorney Senior Civil

Salary

$126,401.60 - $189,654.40 Annually

Location

City of Sparks, NV

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

27-12

Department

Legal

Division

Civil

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Information

Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community, join our team!

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Assistant City Attorney Senior Civil. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by October 21, 2026. Application review dates may occur sooner, and the posting may be extended or close without notice as needed. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only complete applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Candidates that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

The Ideal Candidate: In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have previous work experience in a municipal setting. Highly preferred candidates will also possess an attorney-level background in employment law and human resources. Are you the ideal candidate? If so, apply now!

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach documented proof of qualifications, at time of application, to demonstrate you meet the qualifications at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
• Candidates must attach documented proof of Bachelors Degree and Juris Doctorate
• Candidates wishing to be considered must include a resume and cover letter

If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@sparksnv.gov. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DESCRIPTION

Perform civil work for the City Attorneys office, and as needed for criminal areas including providing legal service for one or more city departments and their associated elected or appointed boards and commissions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the highest level non-supervisory class in the Assistant City Attorney series, fully capable of working independently on the most complex civil litigation matters and directing and training staff. Incumbent may be assigned to any of three (3) classes depending upon experience and proficiency gained.

Qualifications

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

Education and Experience:

Bachelors Degree and Juris Doctorate and five (5) years of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of civil and criminal law.

Experience in a municipal setting is preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada, at time of hire and maintain active license throughout employment.

Must be admitted to the Nevada State Bar at time of hire and remain an active member throughout employment.

Must be licensed in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States at time of hire and maintain active license throughout employment.

Must possess and maintain the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C drivers license within thirty (30) days of hire.

Must possess and maintain Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200 within six (6) months of hire and ICS 300 as soon as available.

Examples of Essential Duties

Protect the City from civil liability through both effective representation in Nevadas state and federal courts and by advising the City Council, City Manager, appointed bodies and department directors as to the legality of their actions or the most prudent way to achieve their goals. Maintain knowledge of goals and challenges identified by the City and the legal requirements associated.

Be available to city departments to give advice and direction as needed during nonwork hours or as assigned.

Advise city departments concerning their respective duties, powers, functions and obligations. Advise law enforcement on constitutional and criminal law issues pertaining to prosecution.

Prosecute criminal cases within the jurisdiction of the Sparks Municipal Court from inception to appeal. Review cases for probable cause. Charge misdemeanors. Negotiate pleas or resolution pretrial and at trial. Communicate with attorneys, defendants, victims and witnesses. Handle all aspects of litigating the misdemeanors including trials and appeals.

Research legal issues confronted by the City, both proactively and in response to requests from the City Council, City Manager, City Attorney and department directors.

Represent the City in state and federal court, before administrative agencies, the Nevada Legislature and the public encompassing a wide variety of civil and criminal subject matter, including all phases of pretrial, trial and appellate work.

Represent the City in administrative hearings before City boards and commissions and state and federal agencies.

Investigate and prepare reports on claims against the City. Ensure the maintenance of records. Complete and compile reports of work performed.

Monitor legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions. Evaluate their impact on City operations and recommend appropriate action.

Assist other attorneys in all phases of legal work on more complex litigation.

Attend meetings of the City Council, boards, and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney.

Provide on call assistance to the police department on an as needed basis or as assigned.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Nevada Revised Statues and Sparks Municipal Code
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting municipal operations
• Knowledge of municipal government organization, structure and functional responsibilities
• Knowledge of civil, criminal and administrative procedure
• Knowledge of practices and effective techniques in the presentation of state and federal litigation, judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to Microsoft Office
• Ability to proficiently litigate every type of legal action faced by the City
• Ability to analyze problems and issues and perform legal research, evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically
• Ability to represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others
• Ability to prepare clear, concise legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports and written materials
• Ability to effectively communicate messages and positions on behalf of the City
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION

• This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
• This position reports to the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorney
• Supervision exercised: Direct the work of support staff and act as a resource to City staff
• Must submit a fingerprint card and meet NCIC/CJIS requirements
• May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Application and Recruitment Information

Complete application information including all certifications, degrees, transcripts and work experience are required to be submitted by the applicant at time of application in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Failure to submit the required and/or requested information may result in rejection of your application.

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, examinations in relation to the job, interviews, or any combination which the City of Sparks may require.

The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant's background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.

The City of Sparks is proud to offer a quality benefit package to its employees. The benefit package includes a variety of benefits for a diverse workforce.

Below is an overview of the City of Sparks general benefits. The below information does not in any manner modify, alter, expand or add to the active and applicable contract or resolution.

• Nevada has no State income tax
• The City of Sparks is part of the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City pays 100% of the employee PERS contribution. There is no social security deduction/participation.
• Group Health Insurance (includes medical, dental, prescription and vision). City pays 100% of the employee premium and 75% of the dependent premium
• City paid life insurance
• City paid long term disability insurance
• Twelve paid holidays
• Vacation/Annual leave - 4.6 hours accrued bi-weekly, accrual rate goes up after 5 years of service
• Sick leave - 5 hours accrued bi-weekly
• Personal leave - 40 hours allotted with the first full pay period of a Fiscal Year (in July) or at time of hire
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Workers Compensation
• Military leave
• Family leave
• Paid Parental leave
• Longevity pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation match up to $125 per pay period

If you have questions regarding the various benefits described, please contact Human Resources at hrstaff@cityofsparks.us

01

This position requires a Bachelors Degree AND Juris Doctorate. Copies must be attached to your application. Did you attach the required documentation?

• Yes
• No

02

Your resume and cover letter must be attached to your application. Did you attach the required documentation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Sparks

Address 431 Prater Way

Sparks, Nevada, 89431

Phone (775) 353-2345

Website https://www.cityofsparks.us