Pojoaque Tribal Goverment Chief Judge

TITLE: Chief Judge

SALARY RANGE: D.O.E.

STATUS: Full-Time

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Chief Judge is the leader of the Judicial Branch of the Pueblo of Pojoaque. The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding matters within the jurisdiction of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court pursuant to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code and the customs and traditions of the Pueblo.

The Chief Judge must consistently demonstrate the ability to analyze difficult and complex facts and issues and to issue clear oral and written decisions in a timely manner. Moreover, the Judge must consistently demonstrate judicial knowledge and temperament.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the locally established essential functions and meet the minimum and experience qualifications described below satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required for a Tribal Court Judge. It does not restrict the Pueblo’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities for this job at any time.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS:

•          Be over twenty-one (21) years of age
•          Possess a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school
•          Be licensed and in good standing by any state bar association
•          Demonstrated knowledge of docket management, courtroom management and case management
•          Demonstrated good verbal and writing skills
•          Demonstrated knowledge in Federal Indian law and policy, and tribal customs and traditions
•          Must have never been convicted of a felony, or convicted of a misdemeanor within the past year
•          Must maintain confidentiality

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

•          Experience working with Native Americans and Tribal Governments
•          Knowledge of Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code, court procedures, and court rules
•          Supervisory experience
•          Grant management experience
•          Strong clerical and PC skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Outlook

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

•         Provide a full range of judicial services for a court of general jurisdiction, including presiding over criminal, civil, traffic, domestic relations, dependency, adoptions, real estate, gaming, employment, and other matters arising under the jurisdiction of Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court.
•         Supervise pro tempore judges and Tribal Court staff.
•         Prepare and issue written orders, judgments, search and arrest warrants, temporary restraining orders, orders of protection, commitments, and other orders and documents on a timely basis.
•          Develop and implement policies and procedures for the administration of court proceedings.
•         Supervise and direct the Court Administrator in setting and amending budgets, management of grants, reporting for grants, finances, and setting the docket of the Tribal Court.
•         Ensure the recording, filing, storage, and accuracy of court records.
•         Facilitate the development of the Law and Order Code.
•         Communicate the needs of the Tribal Court to the Tribal Council.
•         Perform case management on hearings, motions, rulings, setting of cases, etc. on a timely basis.

JOB FUNCTION:

•          Independently use time efficiently to prioritize and perform multiple tasks to meet multiple concurrent deadlines and manage large volumes of work.
•          Work effectively under pressure and cope with multiple interruptions to meet deadlines.
•          Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with Department directors, subordinates, peers, and the general public.

CONTINUE PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

•         Comply with office and personnel procedures.
•          Participate in applicable job-related trainings.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

•         Manual dexterity to operate computers and other necessary office equipment.
•          Able to work in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
•        Able to bend, reach, kneel, twist and grip items in assigned work area.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally performed within an office environment with standard office equipment available. Work is generally sedentary in nature but may require standing and walking for up to 10% of the time. The working environment is generally favorable. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work may include high stressful situations at times.

This Position Description identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.