Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

The salary range for this is: $6,825.00 - $13,188.00 monthly DOQ

Under general supervision, incumbents in this classification are responsible to perform a wide range of professional legal work of a civil or criminal nature consistent with the constitutional and statutory duties of the Prosecuting Attorney. The work includes legal research and analysis, document preparation or review, representation of the county and/or county officials and employees in civil litigation, and/or prosecuting criminal cases in the name of Thurston County or the State of Washington. They exercise considerable legal discretion while working with minimal supervision. All Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are appointed by and represent the elected Prosecuting Attorney in all aspects of their work. They are expected to conduct themselves in a high ethical standard and in accordance with their oath of office and the core values of the office.
 
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct legal research and provide written or verbal legal opinions to various county officials and departments. May draft or review proposed county resolutions, ordinances, contracts, or other legal documents.
• May prepare and try various civil cases on behalf of the county or its employees, including pleadings practice, discovery work, memoranda or brief writing, motions, trial, and other presentations for court hearings. Discovery work may include drafting interrogatories, taking depositions, interviewing witnesses, and other legal investigatory work.
• May represent the county in other civil and administrative actions such as county or state code enforcement actions, child support cases, involuntary commitment and treatment hearings and trials, and other civil actions brought on behalf of or against the county in local, state, or federal courts.
• May handle civil appeals filed by either party in any civil case involving a party represented by the office. This work includes but is not limited to legal research, brief writing, and the presentation of oral arguments in state or federal appellate courts.
• May handle public records issues, which includes leading a staff that responds to all county public records requests and coordinating with all county offices and departments regarding responsive records.
• Drafts or reviews, under supervision, proposed County resolutions, ordinances, contracts and other County legal documents.
• Prepares and tries, under supervision, various County civil cases, including discovery work, pleadings practice, memoranda or briefs, and actual trial or hearing presentation, in Superior Court, various administrative hearings or appellate courts.
• Assists in County civil trials, hearings, or appellate proceedings, of a high priority nature.
• Performs a variety of legal office work and other civil legal work as required.
• May lead or supervise other attorneys or legal support staff.

To view the full job classification, click here: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Generally work is performed indoors. Physical demands include frequent keyboarding and occasionally will be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time, traveling between court rooms and different locations, reach for objects, and fine manipulation. Physical effort is required at the work location due to occasional heavy lifting up to 20 lbs. May occasionally attend crime scenes.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours. Positions in this classification may be considered essential personnel. Essential personnel are defined as staff who are required to report to their designated work location to ensure the operation of essential functions during an emergency or when the county has suspended operations. During a catastrophic emergency that affects countywide operations, positions in this classification may be temporarily reassigned to help maintain certain essential functions that support Thurston County’s infrastructure and service level.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Occasionally exposed to hostile or irate individuals, individuals with violent backgrounds. 

WHO WE ARE:

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office performs its constitutional and statutory duties by serving as a highly skilled and innovative legal team advocating for public safety, seeking justice in criminal cases for victims and those accused, representing the interests of children, and providing effective legal services to Thurston County government.

We are committed to being proactive in our mission by partnering with local government and community organizations to prevent crime, increase public safety, and support for victims. We recognize that today's investments in education, mentoring, and other support services for children and families will yield significant returns in the form of less crime, reduced costs for criminal justice and social services, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Graduation from a recognized and accredited school of law and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Basic knowledge of the laws of the State of Washington; the rules and procedures of county, state, and federal courts and administrative agencies, and basic techniques of litigation and trial work.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply rules, statutes or other laws or legal principles and precedents to facts to provide advice to clients and formulate arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; work harmoniously with County officials and court personnel; and maintain good public relations.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Experience representing a county, city, the state of Washington, or other government entity.
• Knowledge or experience in any of the following areas of practice: labor/employment law, open government law (PRA/OPMA), serving as a legal advisor to law enforcement, tort defense, and code enforcement

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Scott Cushing at 360-786-5540 x7862

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Contingent on passing a background investigation.

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Reference List
• Supplemental Questionnaire (Applicant Disclosure Form - Pursuant to RCW Section 43.43.83

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.