Municipal Judge

Description

The City of Durango is seeking a Municipal Judge to serve the community through fair, impartial, and thoughtful application of the law. In this role, you will preside over a wide range of municipal court proceedings involving traffic offenses, misdemeanor violations, code enforcement matters, and other city ordinance cases. You will help uphold constitutional rights, maintain public trust in the judicial process, and contribute to a court environment grounded in professionalism, respect, and accountability.

This position works under the broad policy guidance of the City Council and within the legal framework established by state statute, the City Charter, and local ordinances. You will work closely with court staff, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and community partners while maintaining independent judicial decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong legal knowledge, sound judgment, clear communication skills, and the ability to approach complex and sensitive situations with fairness and professionalism.

• Please note: You must attach a cover letter and resume to your online application to be considered for this position.
  
  

City of Durango’s Trail to ExcellenceThe City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan .

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.
  
  

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

Essential Job Duties

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Preside over municipal court proceedings including arraignments, trials, pre-trial conferences, sentencing hearings, probation matters, restitution hearings, and other court appearances.
• Hear and adjudicate cases involving traffic violations, misdemeanor offenses, code violations, nuisance complaints, zoning matters, animal ordinance violations, and related municipal cases.
• Serve as committing magistrate for misdemeanor criminal matters and set bail in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Review evidence, interpret laws and ordinances, and issue impartial rulings and judgments based on the facts presented.
• Issue warrants, subpoenas, summons, commitments, and other court orders as authorized by law.
• Maintain compliance with Colorado judicial ethics standards, state statutes, city ordinances, and applicable court procedures.
• Provide functional supervision to court staff and support efficient court operations and timely case processing.
• Coordinate with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, probation staff, school officials, counselors, human services staff, parents, and other community partners related to court matters, offender accountability, and first-time offender processes.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from local, state, and federal agencies regarding court proceedings and legal processes.
• Participate in required judicial education and ongoing professional development related to municipal court operations, criminal procedure, evidence, and related legal topics.
• Serve as a professional representative and resource for the Municipal Court and the City when interacting with staff, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and members of the public.
• Operate within the legal framework established by state statute, the City Charter, local ordinances, and judicial ethics standards.
• Participate in after-hours, weekend, holiday, or on-call judicial responsibilities as needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

You Have:

• A Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.
• Active admission to the Colorado Bar.
• Five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• A cover letter and resume submitted with your application.
• (Preferred) Demonstrated knowledge of specialty court programs and operations, including experience with problem solving courts, alternative sentencing models, treatment focused interventions, and collaborative partnerships with service providers and community agencies.
  
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Apply the law and penalties in an impartial, objective manner.
• Review details, establish clear facts, and reach fair legal decisions.
• Communicate legal concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Build productive, respectful working relationships with city staff, law enforcement, and community members.
• Approach sensitive cases involving substance use with the objectivity and communication skills necessary for minor counseling or restorative discussions.
• Maintain a calm, focused approach during high-stress or emergency courtroom situations.
• Handle sensitive public interactions with professionalism and respect.
• Read and interpret legal documents, ordinances, and higher court rulings accurately.
  
  

Supplemental Information

What We Can Offer You

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.
  
  

View The Full Municipal Judge Job Description Here.

Belong at the City of Durango:

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement