Assistant Counsel, Code Enforcement (NCS) - Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

POSTING DATE: 11/20/2024

SALARY RANGE: $74,943.00 - $119,750.00 Annually

BACKGROUND CHECK

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.

PROBATION

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Position Overview

The City of Baltimore is seeking a proactive, skilled legal professional to serve as Assistant Counsel for the Baltimore City Board of Municipal and Zoning Appeals (BMZA). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Assistant Counsel will play a vital role in providing legal support, drafting resolutions, and advising the BMZA on zoning matters. This position requires a sharp attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex municipal and zoning regulations effectively.

Essential Functions

• Advising: Provide informed guidance to architects, engineers, lawyers, civic organizations, and the public on zoning appeals and BMZA procedures.
• Application Review: Analyze applications, drawings, and supporting documents from appellants, ensuring compliance with the City Code, Maryland land use statutes and caselaw.
• Resolution Drafting: Prepare clear, legally sound resolutions for zoning appeals, capturing the Board’s decisions and ensuring alignment with applicable zoning laws and precedents.
• Hearing Participation: Attend and actively participate in zoning appeal hearings, advising the Zoning Board on legal considerations.
• Zoning Ordinance Analysis: Review proposed zoning ordinances and draft reports and recommendations on changes to zoning laws for the Executive Director’s review.
• Records Management: Oversee record-keeping, including maintaining accurate files, and tracking development of cases on appeal to the Maryland courts.
• Team Leadership: Provide training and guidance to team members on processing applications and examine the work of zoning examiners for accuracy.
  
  

Education And Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

AND

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of legal experience, including roles such as judicial clerkship, trial or transactional practice, administrative law, or practice in district, circuit, or appellate courts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local laws, particularly those relevant to zoning, land use law, and administrative law.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with a focus on intermediate skills in Word and Outlook.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to interpret legal principles, prepare thorough reports, and make sound recommendations.
• Relationship Building: Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including City officials, government agencies, contractors, property owners, and the public.
• Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to handle conflicts diplomatically and effectively.
  
  

Benefits

The City of Baltimore offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here:

https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

☒ FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER