ETHICS OFFICER II

job description

The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission is looking for a qualified, impartial, and passionate individual to join the Enforcement Division in investigating and administratively enforcing against violations of laws within the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction. The Ethics Commission is responsible for administering and enforcing state and City laws relating to governmental ethics, campaign financing, and lobbying. The Enforcement Officer works closely with the Director of Enforcement, other members of leadership, and investigators. Duties include conducting legal and factual research; guiding and overseeing the work of investigators; analyzing evidence and assessing the merits of allegations; drafting subpoenas, settlements, probable cause reports, hearing briefs, and other enforcement-related documents; enforcing subpoenas; interacting with witnesses, respondents, attorneys, and other government and law enforcement agencies; appearing in probable cause conferences and civil court; handling administrative hearings, which may include law and motion, preparing exhibits and witnesses, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and engaging in oral argument; and presenting cases at Ethics Commission meetings.

Qualifications

The position demands a highly organized, analytical, and self-motivated individual, who demonstrates the following qualifications:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Exceptional judgment and discretion.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills.

• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate complex laws. • Ability to successfully guide and oversee the work of investigators.

• Ability to conduct legal and factual research and apply laws to facts.

• Ability to use a variety of software programs and electronic technology. • Flexibility and an ability to successfully juggle competing priorities.

• Ability to work well under pressure and in a politically sensitive environment. • Ability to work well both independently and as a member of a team.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

The successful candidate must forego personal involvement in any political or partisan activity.

Training and Experience

A law degree from an accredited law school, admission in good standing with the California bar, and at least five years of successful experience as a prosecutor or litigator in criminal, civil, or administrative settings are required.

Compensation

The salary range is currently $123,129 - $180,048; the starting salary depends on experience, skills, and salary history. A four-percent cost-of-living increase will take effect July 1. In addition, the City offers a highly competitive benefits package, including flexible work schedules, health and disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, a retirement system with a pension partially funded by the City, and an optional deferred compensation plan.

How to apply

Application Process

Email cover letter, résumé, and a recent writing sample that is no more than five pages long to ethics.careers@lacity.org. Applications must be submitted by July 23, 2025, but the application window may close at any time. For additional information, contact Deputy Executive Director Heather Holt at (213) 978-1960.

exempt employment

If employment is said to be exempt, it is meant that the employment is exempted from the civil service provisions of the City Charter. In order to receive a regular civil service appointment, employees must have successfully participated in a civil service examination, received a high enough score on the examination to be placed on and receive an appointment from an eligible list, and they must serve a probationary period. Exempt employees do not compete in a civil service examination, they are not placed on an eligible list and receive an appointment from that list, nor do they serve a probationary period. As a result, exempt employees do not have what is referred to as a “property interest” in their job. Exempt employees serve at the will of the appointing authority and can be terminated at any time without cause. Employees with a property interest in their job, i.e. civil service employees, cannot be deprived of their employment(discharged or suspended) without due process.

General Information About Exempt Employment

Exempt employees serve at the will of the appointing authority, and as such, they may be discharged, suspended or otherwise disciplined without cause. Exempt employees have no property interest in their employment, and any procedural benefit or other prerogative extended to them by their appointing authority is not intended to create and does not create any such property interest. No officer or employee of the City may make to any other officer or employee any representation of a property interest in employment which does not correspond to Charter provisions unless the City Council, by ordinance, permits such representation. No unauthorized representation can serve as the basis of an employee's reliance on, or expectation of, a property interest.

Employees Seeking To Become Civil Service Employees

There is no protective leave for an exempt employee appointed to a civil service position. Upon receiving a civil service appointment and passing probation, the former exempt employee will be subject to the Civil Service provisions described in Article X of the City Charter. Upon appointment, the civil service employee will begin to accrue displacement and layoff seniority on the first day of his/her civil service appointment and may file for promotional examinations for which s/he qualifies. A full or half-time exempt employee appointed to a full or half-time civil service position continues to: contribute to the Retirement System; accrue vacation time; accrue sick time; receive anniversary date salary increases; and, receive health and dental benefits identical to those received in the civil service position.

Closing Date/Time: 7/23/25

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• City of Los Angeles

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