County Counsel

Job Description:

County Counsel

Description

The Position

The County of Mendocino covers nearly two and half million acres of land (more than 3,510 square miles). It is a picturesque and bucolic rural county along California’s north coast. Just a two-hour drive from the Golden Gate, the county boasts beautiful fertile inland valleys, Pacific coastline, and rugged mountain peaks. The county’s residents enjoy small town life, local cultural events, theatre companies, and abundant outdoor recreational activities. Quaint historic villages are found along the scenic coastline, home to many inns, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The northern part of the county draws outdoor enthusiasts eager for adventure in hiking, canoeing, fishing and more. The inland area is best known as wine country, producing some of the finest California wines from a unique terroir. Mendocino County’s economy is grounded in agriculture and timber, as well as tourism and a growing retail and service center. Weather in the county is generally mild. Fog and sea breezes usually keep the coastal areas cool, while inland temperatures can reach the high 90’s during the summer months. With 90+ miles of coastline, Mendocino County has a beach for everyone.

The Office of County Counsel is the legal adviser to the Board of Supervisors and is appointed pursuant to Government Code 27640 et seq. Mendocino County Counsel provides legal advice and representation to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, County officials and their departments. The Office directly serves the Board of Supervisors and works to understand and further the needs and goals of the Board and County. Under direction from the Board of Supervisors; the County Counsel provides legal advice, assistance and representation in civil legal matters to the Board of Supervisors, County Officers, all County departments and department heads, employees, special districts, various boards and commissions, and directs all activities of the County Counsel’s Office. Mendocino County is seeking an accomplished and visionary legal professional to serve as its next County Counsel. This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative, strategic, and service-oriented leader to guide the County’s legal affairs while helping shape policy decisions that impact the organization and the community for years to come.

The Board intends to negotiate a mutually agreed upon employment agreement with compensation in alignment based on overall career experience for the selected candidate. The previous County Counsel’s salary was $200,000. The County of Mendocino offers an excellent compensation and benefits program. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: July 5, 2026

To view the job flyer, click here .

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

Depends on Qualifications