Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

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Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community – Associate Judge

Position Summary: Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, responsible for the fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Council and on matters assigned by the Chief Judge.  The Associated Judge is appointed by the Council and presides over and rules in cases as assigned by the Chief Judge. The Associate Judge performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge. This job class is treated as an FLSA exempt position.

Descriptive Features: The Associate Judge is an integral member of the judicial system and as such serves to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. The Associate Judge must have a good understanding of the of the operation of a legal system, administration of justice, interpersonal relationships, dispute resolution as well as a general knowledge of public safety operations and governmental methods of reporting. The Associate Judge must also have an awareness of human behavior to aid in the resolution of complaints and disputes.  The Associate Judge’s work in reviewed by the Chief Judge through 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, but 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. Determines trial procedures and conducts trials, examines evidence, determines validity of allegations, rules on admissibility of evidence, and prepares and issues rulings. 2. Researches legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda, interprets applicable SRPMIC, other tribal jurisdictions, city, state and federal laws and regulations. 3. Drafts and issues court orders and opinions. 4. Directs the preparation and maintenance of records and dockets of actions and courts proceedings in accordance with accepted standards of court procedures. 5. Conducts arraignments, advisement of rights, and sets appearance dates.  6. Presides in jury trials and assists with jury management.  Gives jury instructions on application of facts to law.  7. 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. 8. Drafts and issues orders compelling attendance at court proceedings.  9. Determines plea, motion and sentencing issues and authorizes collection procedures. 10. Decides restitution awards, revocation of probation status and bond forfeitures 11. Sentences defendants in criminal cases in accordance with applicable laws.  12. Sits on appellate panels, if appropriate. 13. Assists in the development and implementation of plans, goals and objectives to ensure the effective and efficient administration of justice. 14. Coordinates with other tribes, federal, state, county and city authorities on court-related and juvenile matters.  15. Attends ongoing training as required by the SRPMIC and pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 2, 4-22 of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances.  16. Performs other job related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

  • Knowledge of the SRPMIC ordinances, laws, rules, customs and traditions.
  • Knowledge of general law, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of principles of civil and criminal laws and appeal issues.
  • Knowledge of procedures and methods of legal research.
  • 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 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.

Qualifications: The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (B) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended. Such qualifications include:
1. Being thirty (30 years of age or older;

2. Possessing a two (2) year degree (Associate of Arts, certificate, etc.) or higher preferably in a law related field (e.g., law degree, criminal justice, administration of justice, Police Science, paralegal) OR having at least three (3) years consecutive bench experience within the past five (5) years of appointment to the bench;

3. Being an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community or the Tohono O’odham Nation with preference given to enrolled members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community;

4. Having never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction, and having not been convicted of a misdemeanor within five (5) years of the date of the judicial application filed with the SRPMIC Council.  A misdemeanor shall be conviction of the type of behavior proscribed in Chapters 6 and 10 and 16-231 through 16-236 of Chapter 16 (Dealing with DWI and Reckless Driving) of the SRPMIC’s Code of Ordinances, whether committed on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community or in another jurisdiction;

5. Being of good moral character.  In determining character, the SRPMIC Council shall consider, among other things, the laws, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC;

6. Consenting to undergo such training as the SRPMIC Council, SPRMIC President, or the Chief Judge specifies in order to obtain and/or maintain the competence needed as a judge;

7. Passing a test administered to persons applying to practice before the SRPMIC Court and/or other applicable tests;

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 polices, 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.

For any judge who is reappointed to the bench without a break in service, the SRPMIC Council may, in its discretion, waive subsections (7) and/or (8) of Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (B) of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances, as amended

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 SRP-MIC Government 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.

For application information, click here.