HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2008-062 recruitment and selection process for town magistrateMARANA RESOLUTION N0.2008-62
RELATING TO MUNICIPAL COURT; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR TOWN MAGISTRATE; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS the position of Marana Town Magistrate is currently vacant; and
WHEREAS Marana Town Code Section 5-2-1 provides that the Town Magistrate shall
be appointed by the Town Council to a two year term beginning July 1 of each even numbered
year; and
WHEREAS the Town Council desires to recruit and select a highly qualified candidate
for the position of Town Magistrate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Town Council hereby approves the 2008 Magistrate Recruitment and
Selection Process, Presiding Magistrate job description, Supplemental Questionnaire, and job
announcement attached to and incorporated by this reference in this resolution as Exhibits A
through D, respectively.
SECTION 2. The Town's Manager and staff are hereby directed and authorized to
undertake all other and further tasks required or beneficial to implement the recruitment and
selection process for Town Magistrate.
SECTION 3. Since it is necessary for the preservation of the peace, health and safety of
the Town of Marana that this resolution become immediately effective, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, and this resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
adoption.
{00009159.DOC /} JF S/12/08
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
MARANA, ARIZONA, this 13th day of May, 2008.
Mayor d Honea
®`~t~-1~1~~~®~~
ATTEST: ~~~y~C~~~ nn~ ~I~s
s
l`~` CORD TF
ocelyn C ronson Town Clerk i $EAL~
AP VED AS TO FORM: ''~~~Ij' jt j-~ ~~```
~ \
~~ r Cassidy, Town Attorney
(00009159.DOC /} JF S/I2/08
TOWN OF MARANA
2008 MAGISTRATE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS
1. May 14 -May 28, 2008. Advertise the position in the State Bar of Arizona career center
web page, the Arizona Supreme Court employment web page, the Arizona Daily Star and
Jobbing.Com (career web site used for Town vacancy announcements). Applicants will
be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire and submit a resume and cover
letter that discusses how their background meets the requirements of the position.
2. June 5, 2008. The Town Manager's Office completes screening of application materials
for attainment of minimum qualifications, completes the preliminary background
screening (public records check) on those candidates meeting the minimum
qualifications and forwards application materials to the Town Council for their review.
3. June 10, 2008. The Town Council identifies the candidates who will be invited for an
interview and the Town Council provides direction to staff concerning development of
interview questions (Executive Session). The Town Council directs staff to notify the
candidates who will be invited for an interview (regular session).
4. June 23, 2008. The Town Manager's Office completes confidential reference checks on
candidates invited to interview.
5. June 24, 2008. Special Council Meeting to interview Town Magistrate candidates.
Process to include presentation by Magistrate candidates in public session. Reference
check results to be discussed in Executive Session. Town Council interviews candidates
and deliberates on selection in Executive Session, selecting a top candidate and
alternate(s). In public session, the Town Council .directs staff. to b®gin contract
negotiations with the top candidate (not identified by name at this time) subject to
satisfactory completion of a drug screen and the full background investigation.
6. June 25, 2008. The Town Manager's Office begins contract negotiations with the top
candidate and makes a condition job offer pending outcome of a satisfactory drug screen
and full background check. The individual receiving this conditional offer of
employment will immediately be required to begin the process for the full background
investigation by the Marana Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public
Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
7. July 10, 2008. Background investigation and contract negotiations completed.
8. July 15, 2008. Council approval of Magistrate contract; or direction to staff to proceed
with the alternate candidate should background or contract negotiations be unsuccessful
with the first candidate. Should the latter be the case, council will receive a briefing in
Executive Session prior to providing direction to staff.
9. July 21, 2008. Targeted first day of work for new Town Magistrate.
Position Title: Presidin Ma istrate De artment: Courts
Job Code: 0700 eDOT code: 111.107-010
Workers Com ensation code: 8810 EEOC Code: 1
Re orts to: Arizona Su reme Court Salar Ran e: $90,000 - $102,000
® Exem t ^Non-Exem t ®Full-time ^ Part-time
Contractual - A ointed B Town Council ^ Classified ®Unclassified
Revision Date: Ma 13, 2008
Position Summary: The Presiding Magistrate manages and directs the Municipal Court opera#ions
subject to legislative requirements and rulings from higher judicial bodies. The Presiding Town
Magistrate shall take reasonable measures to assure prompt disposition of cases, proper performance
of other judicial responsibilities, and efficient and effective management of the Court.
This classification has been designated as anon-classified, at-will position. Work is performed in
accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and is subject to review by a higher court. The
Presiding Town Magistrate is appointed by the Town Council to a specified term and is subject to the
requirements and provision of any Agreement with the Town Council.
Essential Job Functions: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Dis~`bijities Act,
may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. phis li'~t °('~!" sks is
ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by
positions in this class.)
Tasks:
Presides at arraignments, trials, and special hearings. Reviews and supervises the mairt~nance of
the trial docket. Hears and disposes of cases, including determining fines, setting bail,'~and issuing
orders regarding the disposition of arrested persons; and determining sentences to be imposed.
Elicits pertinent information and confines witnesses and litigants to relevant issues. Discusses the
social implications of offenses with defendants. Approves bonds and signs criminal warrants and
other legal documents. Enters legal decisions into the court file.
Analyzes evidence and data presented in court and applies existing law. Conducts legal research
to determine applicable laws to a given set of circumstances. Conveys legal opinions to
defendants, attorneys, and Town Court staff. Confers with attorneys. Gives information on citizens'
rights, and court procedures and policies.
Supervises and directs the activities of the Court and judicial staff including assigning case loads,
counseling in procedural matters, and evaluating performance.
Directs the work of the Court Administrator who manages the day-to-day operations of the court
support functions including supervision of administrative personnel, evaluating performance of
administrative personnel, development and management of the annual court budget, and
implementation of judicial orders and direction involving the operation of the Court.
Communicates with subordinates, other Town employees, attorneys, representatives from other
agencies, and the general public to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
~'*, Human Resources Department
Responds to inquiries from the Mayor, Town Council, and other public officials. Represents the
Town Court at meetings with other judicial agencies.
Supervision Exercised:
Judicial Ethics and Standards -Ensure that the Court and all court employees adhere to the
standards of judicial ethics and conduct as prescribed by the Supreme Court of Arizona.
Immediately seek guidance from higher judicial authorities concerning questions or matters of
ethics or conduct. Exemplify ethical conduct and actions through the exercise of sound
professional judgment in the management of the Bench and through the oversight of the Court.
Work Standards and Schedules -Direct the Court Administrator in .the establishment of work
standards and schedules and ensure their effective implementation. Oversee the Court
Administrator in the assignment of work to employees and directly train employees and judicial staff
courtroom procedures; review work for atlequacy and direct or take steps to correct inadequate
performance.
Staff and Resource Management -Direct the Court Administrator in the management of positions
and personnel to make the best use of resources including the selection and training of employees,
succession planning for key personnel and the administration of discipline and performance
management in accordance with the Town's Human Resources policies, guidelines and
procedures.
Performance Appraisals -Ensure that evaluations are conducted by the Court Administrator for
assigned staff. Reviews staff performance appraisals with the Court Administrator. Prepare and
conduct performance appraisals on the Court Administrator, judicial staff and other direct reports.
Determine meritorious salary increases within adopted guidelines.
Essential Job Requirements:
Education: A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college of law.
Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience as a practicing
attorney, judge or hearing officer. No prior history of removal for cause from a judicial position.
Experience as an attorney, judge or hearing officer in criminal or traffic cases as a member of
the State of Bar of Arizona and experience managing legal and/or judicial staff as an attorney,
judge or hearing officer is desirable.
Special Job Requirements: Admitted to the practice of law by the State Bar of Arizona. An
individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the Town of Marana must pass a
drug screen and a background investigation through the Town of Marana Police Department,
the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to
commencing employment with the Town of Marana.
Knowledge:
Arizona criminal law, Town of Marana ordinances, and related laws and regulations.
Various correctional methods and their successes; and
Underlying social factors involved in cases coming before the Court.
Knowledge of the practices and acceptable principles of sound financial and personnel
management.
Knowledge of the Arizona court rules of professional conduct.
Ability to:
Adhere to demonstrate and uphold the highest ethical standards and conduct.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Develop long and short range plans.
Manage, administer and coordinate the activities and functions of a court.
Plan for and implement organizational and procedural improvements within a complex system
of multiple functions.
Resolve operational and procedural problems.
Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, town personnel, and
interested and affected parties.
Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner.
Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and
established procedures.
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the
pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
Required Skills:
Management and supervision of staff.
Presiding over arraignments, trials, and special hearings to hear and dispose of cases;
Analyzing evidence and data presented in court and applying existing law;
Financial management and oversight of the annual budget.
Effective verbal and written communication.
3
Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
Effective public speaking skills.
Human Resources Department
Working Conditions: Work is performed in normal office setting. Noise level is moderate, primarily
from office machines. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and turn,
and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; ancl"reach with
hands and arms.
4
Supplemental Questionnaire
Town Magistrate
The following questions must be completed and submitted with the application materials
for the Town Magistrate position. Failure to provide full and complete responses to
these questions will result in disqualification of your application. Completed
questionnaires along with a cover letter and resume shall be submitted to: Deb
Thalasitis, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Marana, 11555 West Civic Center Drive,
Marana, Arizona 85653. Faxes will not be accepted. E-mails may be sent to
DThalasitisCc~Marana.com
1. .Please check the box that most accurately describes your experience:
^ At least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney, judge, or hearing
officer one or more states in the United States
^ At least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney, judge, or `hearing
officer in one or more states in the United States
^ I do not have 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney, judge or
hearing officer
2. Please check the box that most completely describes your experience:
^ Less than 1 year experience as a practicing attorney, judge or hearing officer
in criminal and/or traffic cases in Arizona
^ More than 1 year but less than 3 years experience as a practicing attorney,
judge or hearing officer in criminal and/or traffic cases in Arizona
^ More than 3 years but less than 5 years experience as a practicing attorney,
judge or hearing officer in criminal and/or traffic cases in Arizona
^ Greater than 5 years experience as a practicing attorney, judge or hearing
officer in criminal and/or traffic cases in Arizona
3. Please check the box that most completely describes your experience:
^ Less than 1 year experience as a practicing attorney, judge or hearing officer
in criminal or traffic cases in a state other than Arizona
^ More than 1 year but less than 3 years experience as a practicing attorney,
judge or hearing officer in criminal or traffic cases in a state other than
Arizona
^ More than 3 years but less than 5 years experience as a practicing attorney,
judge or hearing officer in criminal or traffic cases in a state other than
Arizona
^ Greater than 5 years experience as a practicing attorney, judge or hearing
officer in criminal or traffic cases in state other than Arizona
4. Please check the box that most completely describes your experience:
^ Less than 1 year experience in the management and administration of staff as
an attorney, judge or hearing officer
^ More than 1 year but less than 3 years experience in the management and
administration of staff as an attorney, judge or hearing officer
^ More than 3 years but less than 5 years experience in the management and
administration of staff as an attorney, judge or hearing officer
^ Greater than 5 years in experience in the management and administration of
staff as an attorney, judge or hearing officer
5. Please check the box that most completely describes your experience:
^ Less than 1 year experience in the management and administration of staff in
a management/supervisory position other than as an attorney, judge or
hearing officer
^ More than 1 year but less than 3 years experience in the management and
administration of staff in a management/supervisory position other than as an
attorney, judge or hearing officer
^ More than 3 years but less than 5 years experience in the management and
administration of staff in a rnanagement/supervisory position other than as an
attorney, judge or hearing officer
^ Greater than 5 years in experience in the management and administration of
staff in a management/supervisory position other than as an attorney, judge
or hearing officer
6. Please list your job title, employer's name, employer's full address and dates of
employment (MM/YYYY) for all employment as an Attorney at Law in the practice of
criminal law or adjudicator of criminal law.
7. Please list your job title, employer's name, employer's full address and dates of
employment (MM/YYYY) for all employment as an Attorney at Law in the practice of
law or adjudicator of law other than criminal law.
8. Please list your job title, employer's name, employer's full address and dates of
employment (MM/YYYY) for all employment involving the management and
supervision of staff as an attorney or judge.
9. Please list your job title, employer's name, employer's full address and dates of
employment (MM/YYYY) for all employment involving the management and
supervision of staff in a management/supervisory position other than as an attorney
or judge.
10. Have you ever been removed or suspended for cause from a judge position in any
jurisdiction?
^ Yes ^ No
11. Please provide your registration number for the State Bar of Arizona and the date
you were admitted to the bar (MM/DD/YYYY).
12. Applicant understands and agrees that workplace harassment, whether on the basis
of sex, race, national origin, age, religion or disabilities will not be tolerated and is
cause for immediate discharge. Applicant understands that employees have an
affirmative obligation to report any unlawful harassment and they will not be
disciplined for the good faith reporting of any incident. Have you ever been accused
or been the subject of an investigation by an employer of unlawful discrimination,
workplace violence or a hostile work environment?
^ Yes ^ No
If yes, please explain:
I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury in the State of Arizona, that my response to this Supplemental Questionnaire contains no willful
misrepresentation and that the information given is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that
falsification of this application will be grounds for elimination from further consideration or, if employed, for dismissal at any time. I
authorize my previous employers and all schools or educational and technical institutions that I have attended to furnish the Town of
Marana my record, reason for leaving and all information they may have concerning me. I hereby release any such current or former
employers or institutions, their agents or employees and the Town of Marana from all liability for any damage whatsoever arising there
from. I understand that if I .receive a conditional offer of employment for the position of Town Magistrate, I will submit to a drug screen
and full and complete background investigation by the Town of Marana. I authorize an investigation of all statements in this application.
Date:
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Contact Phone:
Email:
Town Magistrate, Town of Marana, Arizona. This is an exceptional
opportunity for an attorney who is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona
with at least 10 years of experience as a lawyer, judge or hearing officer. This
position serves under the administrative direction of the Arizona Supreme Court
and the Chief Judge of the Pima County Superior Court and is responsible for the
fair and impartial administration of justice in the Marana Municipal Court. In
addition, this position is responsible for managing municipal court operations and
directing a staff of 13. This is a contractual position appointed by the Marana
Town Council for a two year term, with the option of renewal based on
satisfactory job performance. The position requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
from an accredited college of law, admission to the State Bar of Arizona, no prior
history of removal for cause from a judicial position and a minimum of 10 years
of progressively responsible experience as a practicing attorney, judge or hearing
officer. Experience as an attorney, judge or hearing officer in criminal or traffic
cases as a member of the State Bar of Arizona and experience managing legal
and/or judicial staff as an attorney, judge or hearing officer is highly desirable.
An individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the Town of
Marana must pass a drug screen and a background investigation through the Town
of Marana Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the
Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment. Salary is
DOQ, the salary range is $90,000 - $102,000. A cover letter, resume and
supplemental questionnaire must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2008.
For more information and how to apply, please go to www.Marana.com EO/AA