Examiner II Probate

Please note the anticipated recruitment activity dates (subject to change): 

Written Exam- Thursday, February 6, 2025

Selection Interviews- Wednesday, February 19, 2025

All application materials must be received in NeoGov to be considered for review. Incomplete application packets will not be accepted. A resume will not be considered in lieu of a completed application. 

DEFINITION:  Under general supervision, provides technical, procedural and paralegal review of probate matters to ensure that all case files are complete, accurate, and in compliance with statues, local rules and policies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  The Probate Examiner series performs the full range of probate case evaluations.  Duties emphasize standard or routine assignments performed with some independence.  Incumbents must maintain confidentiality and must use sound judgment in performing assigned duties.  Errors in judgment or failure to complete assignments could have a negative result on the outcome of a hearing and result in the expenditure of resources of the Court.  Incumbents are not responsible for leading or supervising the work of others.

The Probate Examiner I is the entry level classification in the series. Incumbents receive training, and close supervision, review, and direction in the completion of assignments. The Probate Examiner II classification has sufficient experience to complete assignments with minimum supervision, and exercise greater judgment in the performance duties.REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:  The information below is meant to serve as samples of job duties and responsibilities for this classification.  This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.

Essential Functions:
• Examines, reviews, and analyzes for compliance with procedural requirements with statutes, codes, court rules and policies, less complex motions, petitions, and other documents contained in probate, guardianship, mental health and conservatorship case files which are set for hearing in Superior Court;
• Evaluates, abstracts, summarizes, and notes defects and discrepancies regarding the completeness and validity of probate petitions and documents for the attention of the Court;
• Consults with and reviews reports from Court Investigators, attorneys, the Public Guardian, and appropriate agencies;
• Confers with the Probate Judge and reviews petitions, and filed documents to present and discuss recommendations;
• Answers questions from court customers, both internal and external, regarding procedural requirements of routine probate matters and cases pending or set for hearing;
• Reviews legal documents for completeness and procedural accuracy before filing by self- represented litigants;
• Reviews changes in legislation and case law pertaining to probate matters;
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
A Probate Court Examiner I/II must qualify under one (1) of the three (3) options listed below per Rule 10.777(c) of the California Rules of Court.
  
Education:    A Juris Doctorate degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
  
Experience:  A minimum of six (6) months', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
  
Education:    A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited educational institution.
  
Experience: A minimum of two (2) years', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
  
Education:    A Paralegal Certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution.  
  
Experience: A minimum of four (4) years' employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.
  
License:         Possession of valid Class "C" California Driver's License or the ability to travel between Court locations as assigned.
 EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Legal principles and practices, and legal terminology;
• Effective organizational, time management, and record keeping practices;
• Court policies and procedures; pertinent laws, rules, and goals; awareness of the objectives of the Court; and
• Modern office practices and procedures and filing systems, computer applications including Odyssey, Excel, Word and Outlook.

 
Skill and Ability to:
 

• Demonstrate advanced analytical and critical thinking;
• Demonstrate excellent and effective oral and written communication;
• Formulate and present sound recommendations to the Court;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the organization;
• Exercise initiative and accomplish job assignments independently;
• Learn new work processes and procedures and deal effectively with other departments and  the public;
• Interpret and apply complex laws and rules to the cases being reviewed;
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in legal research and writing methods;
• Manage projects with changing priority; and
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and various software programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The incumbent will primarily work in a climate-controlled office setting under artificial lighting. Incumbent may also be required to travel and occasionally may be exposed to a variety of altering weather conditions (extreme cold or hot weather).
 
Physical Demands:

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard,  computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time;
• Fine finger manipulation, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper;
• Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching;
• Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. such as files, stacks of paper, and other materials;
• Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at. and below desk/shoulder level;
• Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to l0 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects;
• Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch;
• Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement;
• Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone; and
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS:  Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated, if necessary, should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Request for Reasonable Accommodations:   The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).  Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 457-2050 or via email at hr@fresno.courts.ca.gov.  Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711. 

Salary : $60,549 - $73,632