$212,035 to $234,062 annual salary with a 5% COLA on 7/1/25 and 5% COLA on 7/1/26.

The City of Morro Bay is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and solutions-oriented City Attorney to serve as the chief legal advisor to the City of Morro Bay. This is a unique opportunity to provide hands-on legal counsel in a full-service coastal city known for its stunning natural harbor, iconic Morro Rock, and engaged community.  

The City of Morro Bay is seeking an experienced individual with municipal or government experience to serve as our next City Attorney. Under the broad policy direction of the City Council, the City Attorney serves as the chief legal officer of the City of Morro Bay. This position provides legal advice and representation to the City Council, City Manager, and City departments, and oversees all the City's legal affairs. The City Attorney is appointed by and reports directly to the City Council and is a City Executive Team member. The City Attorney performs high-level professional legal work, advises on policy and operational matters, and ensures the City’s activities comply with applicable laws and minimize liability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Drafts, reviews, and interprets ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, development agreements, and other legal instruments.
• Represents the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; manages and oversees outside legal counsel.
• Provides legal support and risk management advice to reduce liability exposure and ensure compliance with state, federal, and local laws.
• Attends all City Council and designated board/commission meetings and provides legal guidance on matters under discussion.
• Reviews staff reports, agenda items, and public communications for legal sufficiency and clarity.
• Advises on public records, open meetings (Brown Act), conflicts of interest, and ethics laws.
• Supports and advises on land use and planning matters, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), zoning, Coastal Act compliance, and entitlement processes.
• Provides legal guidance on lease negotiations and management of City-owned real property, including tidelands and harbor leases.
• Advises on harbor operations and legal obligations under the Tidelands Trust and related State agency regulations.
• Provides legal review and counsel on public works, construction projects, and professional services contracts.
• Coordinates with the City Engineer and Public Works staff on contract law, bid protests, and infrastructure legal issues.
• Reviews and recommends updates to the Municipal Code and City policies to ensure legal consistency and clarity.
• Develops and delivers training for elected officials and City staff on applicable laws, legal updates, and City policy compliance.
• Coordinates legal strategy and oversees the work of outside legal counsel; reviews and approves related invoices.
• Maintains professional knowledge of evolving municipal law, including pending legislation and case law.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as necessary to meet the legal needs of the City.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of municipal law, public agency risk management, and litigation.
• Land use planning, CEQA, zoning, and coastal land use laws and permitting processes.
• Real property, lease negotiation, and management related to harbor and tidelands.
• California laws, including the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, and Government Code provisions affecting public agencies.
• Public works construction law, procurement procedures, and contract administration.
• Principles of legal research, writing, and case law analysis.

Ability to:
• Provide sound legal advice and represent the City’s interests effectively in all forums.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations affecting municipal government.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally with elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Work collaboratively with department heads, community partners, and legal counterparts.
• Maintain professional confidentiality and exercise sound ethical judgment.
• Manage complex legal projects and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Supervise and coordinate outside legal counsel services effectively.

Education & Experience:
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• Minimum five (5) years of increasingly responsible legal experience in municipal law or equivalent.
• Experience with land use, coastal law, lease management, and harbor operations preferred.
• Coastal city legal experience is highly desirable.

For a full description of the position and workplace requirements and conditions, please visit: https://www.morrobayca.gov/832/Employment-Opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary: The competitive salary for this position is dependent upon the selected candidate’s qualifications, with an annual salary range between $212,035 and $234,062

Vacation Leave: Up to 20 days of leave annually (dependent on years of service)

Sick Leave: 12 days of leave annually

Administrative Leave: 80 hours of leave annually

Holiday Pay: 14 paid holidays, including two (2) floating holidays

Retirement: CalPERS Retirement (2% at 60 for “Classic” members and 2% at 62 for PEPRA). The City does not participate in Social Security or State Disability Insurance.

Deferred Compensation: May elect to participate in a choice of 457 plans with a City contribution up to $3,500

Health Insurance: CalPERS Health Insurance with 100% City coverage for PERS Gold Anthem PPO for employee and a generous contribution to family coverage.

Life/Dental/Vision: Principal insurance covered 100% by the City for employee and family

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance: Covered by City

Cell Phone and Automobile Allowance

Application Process:

Complete City employment application available at https://www.morro-bay.ca.us/832/Employment-Opportunities. Interested candidates should apply immediately as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit materials early for maximum consideration. Electronic submittals should include a compelling cover letter and a comprehensive resume.

This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Confidential inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Skyler Onaga, Human Resources Analyst, City of Morro Bay Human Resources at sonaga@morrobayca.gov (805) 772-6207. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.