County Counsel

Group: Tillamook County, Oregon

Location: Tillamook, Oregon

Salary Range: $174,144 - $220,344

Deadline Information: Apply by August 14, 2025. (Applications reviewed as submitted. Open until filled.)

Posted Date: 07/15/2025

Website: https://www.prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3311

Contact Information for Applicants
Prothman Company
info@prothman.com
206-368-0050

County Counsel
Tillamook County, Oregon
Salary: $174,144 - $220,344

Tillamook County, located in northwest Oregon along the beautiful Oregon Coast, is a place of unparalleled natural beauty where the forest meets the Pacific Ocean, and where the warmth of tight-knit communities, local markets, and culinary and cultural opportunities create a welcoming atmosphere. Home to 27,748 residents and visited by 3.2 million visitors each year, the region is one of Oregon’s most diverse coastal destinations with its breathtaking coastline, lush forests, and pristine rivers. The County offers four adventure-filled seasons of world-class hiking, beachcombing, fishing, seafood harvesting, and surfing, along with many other recreational activities. The County is home to numerous famous attractions, including the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Oswald West State Park, North Coast Food Trail, and the Oregon Coast Scenic Railway. Tillamook is also the home of world-famous Tillamook Cheese, and the dairy, agricultural and fishing industries are major contributors to the local economy. Tillamook County residents enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle with thriving communities, excellent schools, local healthcare, and a strong sense of community.

Tillamook County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners and has a 2024-2025 budget of $152,040,280. The County has a workforce of approximately 260 employees, represented by two bargaining units, and operates with 22 departments.

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the County Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor for the County and is responsible for managing and delivering legal services to the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, and County staff. This position provides oversight of all legal matters affecting County operations and leads the development, interpretation, and enforcement of legal policy. The County Counsel offers formal and informal legal opinions; drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, policies, contracts, and other legal documents; and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position also represents the County in litigation and before regulatory bodies, and manages both in-house legal proceedings and the work of retained outside counsel. Areas of legal responsibility include labor and employment, land use, contracts and procurement, public records and meetings, taxation, torts, real property, construction, and general governance. The County Counsel also acts as the County’s risk manager, advising on legal strategy, claims resolution, and insurance matters. This role includes lead supervision of legal support staff, coordination with internal departments and advisory bodies, and attendance at public meetings and hearings to ensure legal compliance.

Education & Experience: A Juris Doctorate, and five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience as an attorney is required. Candidates must be admitted to the Oregon State Bar at the time of the appointment and remain in good standing.

For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Tillamook County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by August 14, 2025. (Applications reviewed as submitted. Open until filled.)