What are the responsibilities and job description for the City Attorney position at City of Ames, Iowa?
SALARY
Depends On Qualifications
LOCATION
50010, IA
::: {aria-label="Job Type"}
JOB TYPE
:::
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
25-9366-01
DEPARTMENT
Legal
DIVISION
City Attorney
OPENING DATE
05/01/2026
CLOSING DATE
5/31/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA
Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT
MERIT
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?
No
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
## General Information
The City Attorney provides legal services to the Mayor, City Council, the City Manager, City Staff, Boards and Commissions, and, when available, to the city owned Mary Greeley Medical Center in legal matters related to operations, services, and activities of the municipality.
***In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions, a cover letter, and resume. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.***
Compensation Philosophy
The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy for our merit salary ranges that provides growth for employees as they gain experience and expertise in their roles. The City may consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills that are above the minimum requirements when considering a beginning salary
**Benefits**
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
PSLF Program
## Examples of Essential Job Functions
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Under the direction of the Mayor and City Council, acts as legal advisor and counsel for the City of Ames, its officers, departments, and city boards and commissions; conducts legal research; advises city officials and staff concerning legality of operations, policies, procedures, and activities. Drafts ordinances, resolutions, and other documents as directed for review and action by the Mayor and City Council. Prepares and presents staff memos, reports, other legal advice, documents, or correspondence as requested by the Mayor, City Council, or city staff. Consults with City Managers Office to prioritize requests from City departments for legal work. Represents and works with the City Assessor on matters related to the assessors work as required by the Iowa Code. Drafts and/or reviews legal documents for Mary Greeley Medical Center when requested by the hospital and/or as time allows. Attends City Council, some board and/or commission and Board of Review meetings, and provides legal advice and opinions as warranted and/or requested during the meetings or as referred for follow up. Prepares opinions about questions of law regarding the interests of the city. Represents the City in general litigation matters and prosecutes and defends all suits and actio s to be brought and pending in any court in the State of Iowa or United States. Attends administrative hearings and other meetings to represent the Citys position.
Management of City Attorneys Office: Follows City adopted policies and administrative processes, including but not limited to, personnel policies; purchasing policies; pay and classification systems; Civil Service practices and policies; a
Depends On Qualifications
LOCATION
50010, IA
::: {aria-label="Job Type"}
JOB TYPE
:::
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
25-9366-01
DEPARTMENT
Legal
DIVISION
City Attorney
OPENING DATE
05/01/2026
CLOSING DATE
5/31/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA
Exempt
BARGAINING UNIT
MERIT
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?
No
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
## General Information
The City Attorney provides legal services to the Mayor, City Council, the City Manager, City Staff, Boards and Commissions, and, when available, to the city owned Mary Greeley Medical Center in legal matters related to operations, services, and activities of the municipality.
***In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions, a cover letter, and resume. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.***
Compensation Philosophy
The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy for our merit salary ranges that provides growth for employees as they gain experience and expertise in their roles. The City may consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills that are above the minimum requirements when considering a beginning salary
**Benefits**
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:City of Ames Benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
PSLF Program
## Examples of Essential Job Functions
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Under the direction of the Mayor and City Council, acts as legal advisor and counsel for the City of Ames, its officers, departments, and city boards and commissions; conducts legal research; advises city officials and staff concerning legality of operations, policies, procedures, and activities. Drafts ordinances, resolutions, and other documents as directed for review and action by the Mayor and City Council. Prepares and presents staff memos, reports, other legal advice, documents, or correspondence as requested by the Mayor, City Council, or city staff. Consults with City Managers Office to prioritize requests from City departments for legal work. Represents and works with the City Assessor on matters related to the assessors work as required by the Iowa Code. Drafts and/or reviews legal documents for Mary Greeley Medical Center when requested by the hospital and/or as time allows. Attends City Council, some board and/or commission and Board of Review meetings, and provides legal advice and opinions as warranted and/or requested during the meetings or as referred for follow up. Prepares opinions about questions of law regarding the interests of the city. Represents the City in general litigation matters and prosecutes and defends all suits and actio s to be brought and pending in any court in the State of Iowa or United States. Attends administrative hearings and other meetings to represent the Citys position.
Management of City Attorneys Office: Follows City adopted policies and administrative processes, including but not limited to, personnel policies; purchasing policies; pay and classification systems; Civil Service practices and policies; a