Job Opportunity – Licensed Associate Judge

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 08/07/15 11:59 PM Arizona Time
Salary:
$103,491.00 – $150,061.00 Annually
Job Type:
Full-Time
Location:10005 E. Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona

DEFINITION:
Position Summary:
Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned.Responsible for fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and  in ensuring SRPMIC adherence to applicable Federal, Tribal and other relevant laws and ordinances.The Licensed Associate Judge is appointed by the Council.This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

EXAMPLES OF TASKS:
Distinguishing Features: The Licensed Associate Judge is an integral member of the judicial system and as such serves to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.  The Licensed Associate Judge must thoroughly understand the legal system, administration of justice, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution as well as appropriate decision making techniques, public safety, and governmental methods of reporting.  Responsible for complex and sensitive legal decisions and judicial rulings on criminal and civil cases as assigned.  The Licensed Associate Judge’s work is reviewed by the Chief Judge through an annual performance review, reports, conferences and meetings.  Judicial conduct is governed by Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances and the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Sec 2, Judicial Rules of Professional Conduct.

Essential Functions:  Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Tasks:

1.Manages and oversees criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned by the Chief Judge.    Facilitates and ensures all applicable rules of evidence and other judicial requirements are followed by parties that are in court.

2.If the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) is adopted by the Community, the Licensed Associated Judge would adjudicate TLOA cases.

3.If the Commercial Court is implemented, the Licensed Associate Judge would adjudicate complex commercial transactions that would be pending before the Commercial Court.

4.Assists in the development of court rules of procedure, court policies,and goals and objective to improve operation efficiencies.   At the direction of the Chief Judge,may be asked to assume the duties of the Chief Judge in an “Acting” capacity during the absence of the elected Chief Judge.

5.Manages and maintains regular court case load of non-TLOA cases and fills in as necessary to help avoid court proceeding delays or backlog in court cases.

6.Determines trial procedures and conducts trials, examines evidence, determines validity of allegations, rules on admissibility of evidence, and prepares and issues rulings.

7.Researches legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda, interprets applicable SRPMIC, other tribal jurisdictions, city, state and federal laws and regulations.

8.Drafts and issues court orders and opinions.

9.Directs the preparation and maintenance of records and dockets of actions and courts proceedings in accordance with accepted standards of court procedures.

10.Conducts arraignments, advisement of rights, and sets appearance dates.

11.Presides in jury trials and assists with jury management.  Gives jury instructions on application of facts to law.

12.Executes and issues court processes including, but not limited to, writs, judgments, decrees, arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, summons, long form complaints and civil injunctions.

13.Drafts and issues orders compelling attendance at court proceedings.

14.Determines plea, motion and sentencing issues and authorizes collection procedures.

15.Decides restitution awards, revocation of probation status and bond forfeitures.

16.Sentences defendants in criminal cases in accordance with applicable laws.

17.Sits on appellate panels, if appropriate.

18.Assists in the development and implementation of plans, goals and objectives to ensure the effective and efficient administration of justice.

19.Coordinates with other tribes, federal, state, county and city authorities on court-related and juvenile matters.

20.Attends ongoing training as required by the SRPMIC and pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 2, 4-22 of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances.

21.Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Chief Judge to maintain and enhance judicial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

  • Knowledge of the SRPMIC ordinances, laws, rules, customs and traditions.
  • Knowledge of State, Federal, and Tribal statutes, codes, and ordinances.
  • Knowledge of general law, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of principles of civil and criminal law and appeals problems and procedures and methods of legal research.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of judicial administration, program planning and development, employee supervision and training.
  • Knowledge of court operations, principles, and practices.
  • Knowledge of the history and culture of the SRPMIC.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to conduct court proceedings and elicit pertinent information from all parties.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other judicial entities, regulatory agencies, staff, government officials, SRPMIC members and the general public.
  • Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, laws, acts, regulations and standards.
  • Skill in understanding and applying complex policies, procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines.
  • Skill in determining alternative approaches to problem solving.
  • Ability to hear and decide cases and perform judicial duties in a fair and impartial manner while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
  • Ability to research, interpret, analyze and apply legal principles to pending cases.
  • Ability to regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court, and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualifications:

Education & Experience:  The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (D) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended.  Such qualifications include:

1.Being thirty (30) years of age or older;

2. Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate;

3.Must be a member for at least three (3) years and in good standing with a state bar association;

4.Of good moral character and any assessment of moral character shall be consistent with the customs and traditions of the Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piiipaash peoples;

5.Has never been removed for good cause as a judge in jurisdiction;

6.Has never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction and has not been convicted of a misdemeanor (not including violations that are generally considered civil  traffic violations) within the past 5 years; and

7.Preference will be given to enrolled members of the Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

8.Serving a one (1) year probationary period;

9.Having never been removed for good cause from a judge position in any jurisdiction;

10.Being subject to SRPMIC administrative policies regarding employees except when such policies are inconsistent with the status and duties of a judge including, but not limited to, employee grievance, recruitment and selection, and underfill policies.  Notwithstanding the administrative policies, Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinance shall apply to all removal or suspension of judges;

11.Being subject to the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Section 2 Judicial Rules of Professional conduct and as these rules may be amended.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

“SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer” Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.
In order to obtain consideration for Community member/Native American preference, applicant must submit a copy of Tribal Enrollment card or CIB which indicates enrollment in a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe by one of the following methods:
1) attach to application
2)  fax (480) 362-5860
3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.
Documentation must be received by position closing date.
The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.


APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employment

Job #100709-150709
LICENSED ASSOCIATE JUDGE
SP

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
10005 E Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
480-362-7925
480-362-7925
hrrecruitment@srpmic-nsn.gov

Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.