Court Commissioner

Position Description

The City of Tacoma Municipal Court is seeking a Court Commissioner to preside over and adjudicate a variety of hearings and trials related to criminal and civil cases in accordance with R.C.W. 3.66.010; impose appropriate sentences and penalties as prescribed by law; communicate with other City, County and State criminal justice agencies.

Responsibilities Include:

• Direct and control the proceedings and personnel involved in court hearings and trials including prosecuting and defense attorneys, defendants, witnesses, court clerks and others; preside over a variety of Municipal Court hearings and trials in criminal and civil cases in accordance with R.C.W. 3.66.010 or as otherwise assigned by law.
• Hear, try and adjudicate a variety of misdemeanor cases related to traffic and parking violations and other criminal offenses.
• Hear and make appropriate determinations in response to civil requests for Temporary Orders for Protection in domestic violence cases and impound hearings.
• Hear and weigh testimony and evidence presented to determine appropriate verdict of guilty or not guilty.
• Impose just sentences and penalties as prescribed by law; utilize remedial and behavioral modification programs as appropriate.
• Communicate with a variety of City departments including legal, police, fire, public works, metro parks and others regarding court cases.
• Communicate with various County agencies and offices regarding probation and defensive driving referrals, driving records and vehicle licensing, document service and domestic violence cases.
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of court dockets and support documents.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to: bachelor's degree and J.D. or appropriate law degree and completion of specialized training as set forth in R.C.W. 46.63.050, or have passed the Lay Judge's and Commissioner's Examination, and extensive experience in court administration.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The Court Commissioner must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association or have passed the lay judges or commissioner examination promulgated by the Washington State Supreme Court, reside in the City of Tacoma and be a registered voter.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing their responsibilities as it relates to this position.

Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in an interview. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and fingerprinting.

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Communication from the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 4pm on the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 4/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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