Judicial Services Director

Judicial Services Director

Whitman County, Washington

Salary: $93,000 - $111,144 DOQ

Located in the heart of eastern Washington's Palouse region, Whitman County is home to nearly 50,000 residents and offers an exceptional blend of modern amenities with small-town charm. With a high quality of life, low crime rate, lower-than-average cost of living, and the benefits of a less-dense population, the county is also proud of its strong public education system. The area has four distinct seasons which allow for a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities. Pullman, the county’s largest city and home to Washington State University, is a vibrant community of 33,000 residents, and serves as a dynamic hub of education, culture, and innovation. Colfax, the county seat, has nearly 2,800 residents and serves as the administrative heart of the county.

Whitman County operates with a 2025 annual budget of $100,547,120, employs a workforce of approximately 240 FTEs and is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The Whitman County District Court is responsible for a broad range of legal proceedings, including anti-harassment and domestic violence protection petitions, criminal misdemeanors, name change petitions, traffic infractions, and small claims or civil disputes involving claims under $100,000. In addition to judicial responsibilities, the District Court provides probation services to individuals convicted of misdemeanor crimes. The probation department plays an active role in supervising and supporting defendants to ensure compliance with court-ordered obligations. With 10 full-time employees and 2 part-time staff, the department handles adult misdemeanor probation, arrest and search warrants, bail refunds, fine payments, jury management, and traffic infraction processing. Duties include processing misdemeanor cases, handling domestic violence and harassment protections, collecting and disbursing restitution, and managing small claims and civil suits.

Reporting to Presiding Judge John Hart, the Judicial Services Director oversees all non-judicial operations of the court. This role involves developing, implementing and administering all non-judicial functions and daily operations of the court. The Director ensures compliance with statutory requirements and manages judicial personnel programs, policies, and procedures. This position demands expert-level decision-making skills, proactive problem resolution, and a thorough understanding of statutory requirements, Administrative Office of the Court procedures, and evolving caselaw mandates. The Director must be a dedicated and trustworthy leader with a passion for justice, a commitment to community service, and an unwavering dedication to the independence of the Judicial Branch. The person in this position is expected to work a standard work schedule of Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework in business, law, public administration, criminal justice or a related field; AND, five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in court administration, court operations, or a related field, including three (3) years in management or supervisory capacity; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position is required. A Juris Doctorate or master's/advanced degree is preferred.

Benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and their entire family. $24,000 life insurance policy with employee option to increase. Long-term disability insurance. 8 hours of annual leave accrued monthly. 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly. 12 paid holidays per year. Retirement plan through the Washington State Retirement program. Annual professional development funding, including conference attendance and multiple training opportunities. Additional voluntary benefits.

For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Whitman County is ADA and EEO/EOE compliant. Apply by June 22, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• Prothman Company

• (206) 368-0050