Berkeley County, West Virginia
 County Commission 
400 West Stephen Street -- Suite 201
Martinsburg, W. Va. 25401
Government Web Site
for Berkeley County
West Virginia
County Commission  (304) 264 - 1923

RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

 

IN-HOUSE LEGAL DIRECTOR

BERKELEY COUNTY COMMISSION

 

$90,000-$147,200

(FULL-TIME w/BENEFITS)

 

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMMISSION OFFICE UNTIL: 5:00 PM, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2007

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs complex professional and administrative work providing legal advice to the County Commission and affiliated boards, commissions, departments, and agencies. Represents the County Commission and the offices within before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

 

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

o        Counsel and advise the County Commission, County Departments, and other Constitutionally Elected Officials. Represent the County in litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies and manage legal matters in which the County is represented by outside counsel.

o        Draft, interpret and enforce utility and land use laws. Prepare and review planning, engineering, real estate and other legal documents.

o        Perform legal research.

o        Draft laws, resolutions, policies, ordinances, rules and regulations for Berkeley County.

o        Attend County Commission and Planning Commission meetings and advise as appropriate.

o        Attend meetings as needed (day, evening, and weekend) of the County Commission and other bodies to provide legal counsel.

o        Respond to citizen inquiries to include Freedom of Information Act requests.

o        Work with the County Administrator in preparing legislative packages to be presented to the appropriate state/federal agency.

o        Provide legal counsel to the County Commission, Planning Commission and department managers regarding local government and corporate rights and obligations.

o        Prepare and present agenda items at County Commission meetings. Ensure that the County’s intent is accurately expressed in all contractual and personnel matters.

o        Provide senior legal advice to members of staff, County Commission and Planning Commission relevant to County operations.

o        Draft and review instruments affecting real and personal property, financing, contracts, legislation, pleadings, decisions of various boards and commissions, and other legal documents or agreements that have legal consequence.

o        Negotiate contracts, agreements, leases and settlements.

Perform related work as required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Thorough knowledge of legal research, principles of substantive law and civil and administrative procedure.
Ability to understand and analyze varied factual scenarios and legal materials, present logical conclusions from analysis and develop creative approaches to problem solving.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, media representatives, elected officials and the general public.
Strong and effective communications, research and writing skills.
Computer proficiency including MicroSoft Office, computer assisted legal research, electronic communications and computer based case management.

 

 

 

EDUCATION, LICENSES AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in the State of West Virginia
Extensive experience as a practicing attorney in the State of West Virginia with preference given to individuals with experience working in a public/government environment.

 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires fingering and repetitive motions; vocal communications is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word level; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must be licensed to practice law in the Sate of West Virginia, be a member in good standing of the West Virginia Bar, have not been the subject to adverse bar disciplinary actions, and in compliance with all other requirements prescribed by statutes, rules and regulations applicable to the practice of law in the State of West Virginia and United States.
Possession of a valid drivers license.
Ability and willingness to attend evening and/or weekend meetings as required.

 

EXAMINATION  PROCEDURE:

An evaluation of training and experience
One or more interviews
Employment related reference checks
Background investigation
Pre-employment physical to include drug screen (administered after offer of employment).

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

 

APPLICATION FOR THIS RECRUITMENT:

All applications for vacancies with Berkeley County Government must be submitted to the Human Resources Director, Berkeley County Commission, 400 West Stephen Street, Suite 201, Martinsburg, WV., 25401 on or before the date specified on the front of this announcement. An application may be rejected if it is not complete or is received after the specified closing date (we do honor post-mark date on applications submitted by postal mail). Each applicant will be notified by mail regarding the selection process. Berkeley County normally does not reimburse travel expenses incurred to attend a scheduled interview.

 

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE:

The kind of examination/screening for positions announced will vary with each position and may include:

o         an evaluation of training and experience

o         personal and/or group interview

o         written and/or spoken examination(s)

o         performance test(s)

o         a background investigation

o         a physical examination*and

o         a drug test*.

 

*These examinations are administered after offer of employment.

 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Berkeley County is an “At-Will” employer. However, new employees normally serve a probationary period of six (6) months before attaining regular status. The length of the probationary period may vary depending on the position and may be extended depending on performance. The probationary period is considered part of the examination process to determine the employees fitness for the position in which he/she was placed.

 

COMPENSATION:

Berkeley County employees are paid every two (2) weeks. A new employee ordinarily starts work at the rate specified in this announcement. The Berkeley County Commission reviews compensation increases as part of the normal budget preparation process and makes the appropriate compensation adjustments at the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1).

 

ANNUAL LEAVE, SICK LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS:

(the following is unavailable for part-time and temporary positions)

o         Employees earn 1.50 days of sick leave per month/18 days annually with unlimited accumulation.

o         Berkeley County observes 12 paid holidays per year and Primary and General Election Days as they occur.

o         Employees accumulate annual leave according to the following schedule:

 

Years of Service                         Days Per Month                          Days Per Year

                0 – 5     years                                      1.25 days                                      15 days

                5 – 10   years                                      1.50 days                                      18 days

                10 – 15 years                                      1.75 days                                      21 days

                15 years plus                                      2.00 days                                      24 days

 

HEALTH, RETIREMENT & MISCELLANOUS BENEFITS:

(some of the benefits may be available to regular part-time employees)

o         Regular employees are required to participate in the West Virginia Public Employee Retirement Plan

o         Life Insurance is provide to full-time employees, their spouse and eligible dependents.

o         Regular full-time employees may elect to join the County sponsored health plan which includes medical, hospitalization, major medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. The County pays 100% of the employee costs and the employee pays for any dependent coverage elected.

o         A deferred compensation program is available.

o         The County provides access to Employee Assistance Programs.

o         Direct deposit is available to any banking institution designated by the employee.

 

 

BERKELEY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

 

 

 

All photographs and material content
are the property of the Berkeley County Commission.
The information included in this Site is  not considered an official record.
All official records are available at the various County Offices.
No reproduction or other use of this material
is authorized