Chief Judge

We are taking applications for this role that will start in early October. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they feel they meet or exceed our minimum qualifications.

HUALAPAI NATION

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

OPEN COMPETITIVE

JOB TITLE                                                         :  Chief Judge

JUDICIAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT   :  Tribal Court

CLASS                                                                :  Council Appointed

SALARY                                                             :  D.O.Q

OPENING DATE                                              :  August 7, 2024

CLOSING DATE                                               :  Open Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Judge is appointed to a two-year term by the Tribal Council and serves as the highest official of the Judicial Branch of the Hualapai Tribal Government.  The Chief Judge conducts hearings, trials, and performs other general judicial duties. The Chief Judge is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Hualapai Judiciary and proper administration of Justice. The Chief Judge exercises ultimate supervisory authority over the Court Administrator and all court staff also exercises supervision over Associate Judge(s) and pro temp judge(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, and submits annual judicial reports to Tribal Council and funding agencies.
• Exercises independent professional judgment in deciding cases and controversies filed properly before the Tribal Court.
• Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, revision or implementation of court policies.
• Supervises the work of the Associate Judge(s) and court staff, counsels staff regarding matter of policy and practices as well as offer suggestions and corrections.
• Issues warrants of arrest, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, court orders (including formal orders per court of appeals), judgments, commitments and other legal documents as necessary.
• Presides over all cases Civil, Juvenile, criminal cases and other matters arising and applicable to the Hualapai Tribe’s Law and Order Code.
• Assist is developing court procedures, forms and tribal codes.
• Maintains professional education and interaction at meetings/conferences to keep abreast of changes in requirements which affect the Tribe and the current trends in the legal field.
• Represents the Judicial system before the Tribal Council, Local, County, State and Federal agencies and National meetings.
• Attend Tribal Court Management, judicial skills, substantive and procedural legal training and other tribal conferences or training.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Any person shall be eligible to serve as Chief Judge whether or not he/she is a resident of the Hualapai reservation.
• Must be 21 years of age possess an educational background sufficient to effectively communicate legal concepts and skills in a Native American Tribal Court setting;
• A familiarity with the various Native American customs and traditions as it effects the criminal justice system in a Native setting;

• Knowledge of the Hualapai Law and Order Code, Indian Civil Rights Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, and other ordinances adopted by the Hualapai Tribe.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Court procedures which may be useful in hearings and deciding cases.
• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D AND a minimum of three years of experience in a law related field.
• Must possess better than overage oral and written communication skills.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to understand and analyze legal issues, principles and doctrines in order to decide cases and controversies.
• A minimum of three years of responsible leadership experience in management or supervisory positions.
• Has not been convicted of a serious misdemeanor within one (1) year of the date of application, committed on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of Court procedures and analytical techniques and procedures.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass an MVR check and criminal background check.
• Submit to and pass a pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screening.
• Must have substantial experience in grant writing and grant management,

Education, experience and skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of basic economics, budgeting, and accounting principles and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to the court staff in order to provide leadership and direction.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a completed Employment Application to:  Human Resources Department, PO Box 179, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, fax (928) 769-1191, or call (928) 769-2215/2216 for information.  To be considered for employment, the Human Resources Department must receive a completed application by 5:00 PM on the closing date.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.  All applications and supporting documentation submitted becomes the property of the Human Resources Department, please keep copies for your own reference.

PREFERENCE:

All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. However, preference will be given to qualified Community members, to qualified persons of Indian descent, then to other qualified candidates in accordance with Public Law 88-355, Section 703 (702-71) and public Law 93-638, Section 7B.

THE HUALAPAI TRIBE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM

   Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities