Deadline Extended* Deputy District Attorney I-IV

The District Attorney’s Office enhances public safety and seeks justice for all community members through ethical criminal prosecution, education, rehabilitation, and crime prevention efforts. All members of the District Attorney’s Office work together in a supportive, fast-paced, professional team environment. Together we fairly and justly hold offenders accountable, assist crime victims, and uphold the law.

• Advocate on behalf of the People of the State of California on a variety of criminal cases at various stages of the proceedings including arraignment, OR/Bail hearings, trial and sentencing.
• Protect the rights of victims and the accused.
• Engage in collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, NGO’s, crime victim advocates, attorneys, and court staff to achieve a fair and just outcome for all.
• Handle every stage of trial from jury selection to closing argument, with the assistance and guidance of supportive fellow prosecutors and investigators.  
• Evaluate crime investigation reports and evidence, interview witnesses and victims, make crime charging decisions, negotiate and reach fair dispositions based upon law and fact.  
• Research, prepare and submit legal pleadings on a variety of issues, including the latest changes in the law.

•  Evaluates incoming complaints involving juvenile and adult offenders, family support issues, etc; recommends cases to prosecution, negotiate or dismiss.
•  Interviews witnesses and victims of civil and criminal activities; reviews and analyzes evidence, police and other agency reports and other materials related to pending cases.
• Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions and legal authorities.
• Negotiates with defense counsel at pretrial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
•  Reviews, analyzes and researches allegations; makes determination as to appropriate charges following receipt of agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings.
•  Assists and advises District Attorney investigators and law enforcement agencies regarding investigations in process.
•  Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute and/or mediate pending cases; maintains current knowledge of changing case law.
•  Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts in-chambers discussions with court and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
•  Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the prosecution case.
•  Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
•  Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency and complexity of assigned cases as specified under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• Civil and criminal law and procedures.
• Pleading and practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
• State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.

Skill in:

• Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
• Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
• Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
• Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting County operations.
• Representing the County effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
• Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Deputy District Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.

Deputy District Attorney II: In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.

Deputy District Attorney III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution.

Deputy District Attorney IV: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution. Demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney IV.

EMPLOYEE PERKS

For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage: https://humboldtgov.org/2492/Employee-Benefits. 

For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115226/Employee-Perks-Flyer-. 

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day. 
• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.
• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?

How can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

The County of Humboldt’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.  

It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.  The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you’d be in Tier III.

• 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that’s called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.
• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair.  Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. “Examination” doesn’t always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an “oral examination” means a scored and structured interview.

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Salary : $64,147 - $134,867