District Court Commissioner

The successful applicant shall have such power, authority, and jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters as the appointing judges possess, except that when serving as a commissioner, the commissioner does not have authority to preside over trials in criminal matters, or jury trials in civil matters unless agreed to on the record by all parties.  The judges and commissioners of Skagit County District Court perform judicial duties at Anacortes, Burlington and Mount Vernon municipal courts and are on call for search warrant applications every eighth week. 

Salary upon hire is $16,957.20/mo.
Compensation for the District Court Commissioner is set in Resolution#20160348 and is listed under the Elected Official salary schedule.Presides over criminal and civil matters as permitted by law, which may include trials in criminal matters and jury trials in civil matters if agreed to on the record by all parties.
 
Performs judicial duties at Anacortes, Burlington, and Mount Vernon municipal courts.
Reviews and rules on ex parte matters.
 
Is available on-call for search warrant applications as scheduled.
 
Preside over therapeutic court calendars as directed. 
 
Performs weekend probable cause review for arrest determination at the Skagit County Jail as scheduled.
 
Conducts hearings on virtual platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Teams, sometimes simultaneously with in person hearings.
 
Demonstrates skill on computer applications such as LaserFiche, JIS, JABS, and has the ability to learn new applications as necessary.
 
SUPERVISORY:  
None
 
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
May be tasked with performing related duties as assigned by the Presiding Judge.  Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.  Must take state judicial training as required. 
 The general qualifications of a district court commissioner are more fully set forth in RCW 3.42:

• Applicant shall be a registered voter of Skagit County and shall hold office at the pleasure of appointing judges.
• Applicant must be admitted to the practice of law in the State of Washington.

 
REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Legal principles and precedents and their application
• Statutory and constitutional law of the State of Washington, particularly the District Court Rules, and Local Court Rules of Skagit County District Court.
• Principles related to civil and criminal law

 
REQUIRES THE ABILITY TO:

• Present statements of fact and law and communicate clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Define and analyze issues, perform legal research, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate findings and/or rulings.
• Prepare clear and concise decisions.
• Effectively represent the court in contacts with the public, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other government entities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Accept work assignments and impromptu scheduling.
• Maintain appropriate demeanor and courtroom decorum under a variety of courtroom settings.
• Willingness to conform with and adapt to a variety of court procedures and judicial styles.

 
LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment.  Also requires standing, bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds. 
 
Hazards: 
Those present in a normal office environment.  Dealing with people in the courtroom or lobby who feel they have been treated unfairly and, at time, threaten one’s safety and/or life.  

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.