Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III - Civil

**NOTE: This is an Internal Only position for current Skagit County Employees**

Duties of this position provide a wide range of professional legal services to County government. This is an advanced range classification in the Civil Division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The specific services rendered will vary depending upon the work assigned by the Chief Civil Deputy including but not limited to civil infractions and civil defense of animal control actions in District Court and in code enforcement in Planning or Public Works. Attorneys in this class are assigned difficult and complex professional legal tasks, prepares and presents the cases for court or administrative hearing, provide lead direction and supervision of support staff in carrying out these duties; and coordinates the functions of a major work unit.  

This is a temporary job that ends on June 30, 2026.

• Salary upon hire is Step 1 through Step 6 ($10,246.42/month - $12,173.50/month).
• The Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III is Range 34 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.

1. Performs all of the duties of a Civil Deputy I and II assigned to the Civil Division; may represent the County in assigned civil litigation by handling all aspects of assigned cases and/or claims, including discovery, motions, trials, and appellate practice. 

2. Advises County departments and elected officials, and County boards and commissions on a variety of legal matters, including, but not limited to the legal implications of a particular action, inaction or decision relating to code enforcement. 

3. Assists in civil prosecution of county code violations; prepares, reviews, and examines contracts, agreements, real property instruments, motions, ordinances, and other legal documents for County departments and elected officials. 

4. Helps develop County legislation by researching, reviewing, and preparing proposed ordinances, motions, resolutions, policies, and other legislation. 

5. Assists in the preparation of cases for administrative hearings and proceedings; performs legal research and provide legal opinions for projects as assigned. 

6. Represents the County at involuntary commitment hearings when assigned due to workload or temporary absence of ITA attorney. 

7. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law. 

8. When working with Planning & Development Services Department:

• Consult with the Department on land use, permitting, code enforcement and planning issues that may arise.
• Handle other legal matters associated of the Department involvingday-to-day operations of the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office as assigned.    
• Represent The Department in administrative hearings before the Skagit County Hearing Examiner and Board of County Commissioners as they relate to code enforcement. Represent Skagit County in Washington State courts, as necessary regarding or code enforcement prosecution.
• Attend meetings and hearings related to planning and land use issues.
• Draft and review land use code and policy amendments as directed by Supervisors or the Board of County Commissioners.

9. When assigned to Public Works:  

• Handle civil assignments relating to municipal law as it applies to code enforcement with particular emphasis on matters related to the Public Works Department and the Parks, Recreation and Fair Department, and other County departments as assigned.

Supervisory:

This position may supervise support staff and other attorneys in the unit as directed by the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and/or the Prosecuting Attorney.  

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties.  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.  

• Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

• Five or more years of practice as an attorney in the public and/or private sector.   

• Valid Washington State driver's license.

Requires knowledge of:

• legal principles and practices, including civil and administrative law and procedure relevant to the unit assigned; 
• judicial procedures and the law of evidence; 
• appellate practice; 
• office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications; 
• methods and techniques of legal research; 
• rules of professional conduct. 

Requires the ability to:

• define legal issues, collect and analyze information, and recommend action; 
• communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing; 
• perform high quality legal research; 
• analyze and accurately prepare a wide variety of legal documents; 
• work under pressure and with individuals who may be distraught or challenging; 
• meet deadlines; 
• understand Skagit County policies; 
• understand policies of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. 
• use time and resources efficiently; 
• organize and perform multiple tasks to meet deadlines; 
• establish and maintain effective and positive work relationships with groups and individuals inside and outside the office, particularly attorneys, support staff, Bench, Bar, Board of Commissioners, County Executive, County departments, and community; 
• work effectively across unit, departmental, and organizational lines to achieve goals; 
• work independently or as part of a team, as necessary; 
• assist others when asked or directed; 
• maintain a high level of confidentiality of records and information; 
• exercise excellent judgment and tact in all relationships; 
• communicate clearly, effectively, and courteously with attorneys, judges, and the general public;
• respond quickly and effectively to unanticipated situations; 
• uphold the highest ethical standards and commitment to professionalism in all areas of work performance and practice; 
• be courteous, professional, and honest at all times; 
• comply with office standards and policies; 
• support the Washington State Bar Association’s aspirational goals for pro bono work. 

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

A valid Washington State Driver’s License may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work is performed in the usual office environment with periodic trips to the courthouse complex and outside locations to attend meetings, hearings, and other office responsibilities. Employees are required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.  

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment

This is a temporary job that ends on June 30, 2026.

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.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.