County of Kittitas (WA)
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I - III
County of Kittitas (WA), Ellensburg, Washington, United States, 98926
Overview
The Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking qualified candidates for a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Criminal Division. This full-time, benefited, non-union, exempt position prosecutes criminal matters in Kittitas County and may be assigned to other divisions depending on experience and staffing needs. The office emphasizes victim-centric prosecution and a safe community, with a small team of 26 staff across Civil and Criminal Divisions. The Position
While the Prosecutor’s Office handles both civil and criminal matters, Kittitas County is seeking experienced Deputy Prosecutors to handle a felony caseload. This position is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Kittitas County. Deputy Prosecutors in the Criminal Division are often called to crime scenes and routinely work closely with investigators to provide advice and assistance with legal procedures such as obtaining search warrants or authorizations to intercept and record conversations. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recognizes that the effects of crime can be profound and recovering from a crime can take time. We believe that victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the WA State Bar. Benefits
Kittitas County provides base medical, dental, and vision insurance covered in full for employees and their eligible family members. Leave benefits include 11 paid legal holidays, vacation and sick leave, bereavement leave, FMLA, Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave, and more. Student loan forgiveness is available under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Retirement benefits are provided through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Responsibilities
These duties are carried out as directed and assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief. Consult on a frequent basis with all attorneys in the office by being available for questions and providing guidance or feedback for other DPAs as appropriate; attend weekly attorney meetings. Work on special projects as assigned or as deemed appropriate. Read and become familiar with current laws and maintain proficiency with any changes in the law (statutory, admin, and/or caselaw). Provide information and expertise as requested by community groups or classes. Understand and follow all office policies. Work effectively and cooperatively with all office staff. Maintain an accurate calendar (using Outlook) with court appearances, scheduled training, and any time out of the office (sick, vacation, meetings). Communicate clearly and frequently with Division Chief about performance expectations, goals, and work habits. Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief. Criminal Division-specific duties
Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions. Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take “on call” weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7. Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions. Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined. Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc. Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense. Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court. Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument. Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds; prepare opening statements and closing arguments; select juries; be prepared for objections; know and apply rules of evidence. Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel. Apply the sentencing rules to determine the presumptive range and ensure adequate documentation of criminal history; make recommendations for sentencing and defend those recommendations in court. Work with probation officers and Department of Corrections personnel to address probation violations and present probation violation testimony as needed. Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings; respond to defendant’s appeals or petitions, perform legal research and writing; argue appeals in higher courts as applicable. Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys. Civil Division-specific duties
Advise County boards, commissioners, elected officials, and department heads on civil issues. Represent the Prosecutor’s Office at public meetings and executive sessions. Review and evaluate County contracts and forms for legality and recommend changes when necessary. Prepare and/or evaluate drafts of proposed resolutions and ordinances. Research civil and legal issues for County boards, commissions, and departments. Initiate and process appropriate County civil court actions and appeals in state or federal court and represent the County in related proceedings. Appear and represent the County in civil court actions and appeals in state and federal court; respond to public disclosure requests and assist in processing these requests. May be designated as County Claims Administrator. All Positions
High School diploma or GED; Juris Doctorate or Rule 9 with WA Bar admission; knowledge of statutes, case law, and procedures. Valid WSBA license; excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to set priorities, work with law enforcement and staff, follow court rules, maintain professionalism, and serve the public. Equivalency may substitute for stated qualifications at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor. Valid Washington driver’s license and willingness to undergo a background check, including fingerprinting. Experience Levels
Deputy Prosecutor I: 0 – 5 years of licensed attorney experience; Deputy Prosecutor II: 5 – 10 years; Deputy Prosecutor III: 10 or more years. Requirements and Work Environment
Work is in an office or courtroom setting with possible travel to crime scenes. Physical requirements include sustained sitting, walking, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting up to 25 pounds with assistance, and vision/hearing requirements. The role may involve frequent deadlines, interruptions, and exposure to varying emotional contexts. Exempt status; regular hours with additional time as needed; occasional travel; accommodations available for disabilities. The position is currently open until filled with a first review after 10/8/2025. Candidates should apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking qualified candidates for a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Criminal Division. This full-time, benefited, non-union, exempt position prosecutes criminal matters in Kittitas County and may be assigned to other divisions depending on experience and staffing needs. The office emphasizes victim-centric prosecution and a safe community, with a small team of 26 staff across Civil and Criminal Divisions. The Position
While the Prosecutor’s Office handles both civil and criminal matters, Kittitas County is seeking experienced Deputy Prosecutors to handle a felony caseload. This position is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Kittitas County. Deputy Prosecutors in the Criminal Division are often called to crime scenes and routinely work closely with investigators to provide advice and assistance with legal procedures such as obtaining search warrants or authorizations to intercept and record conversations. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recognizes that the effects of crime can be profound and recovering from a crime can take time. We believe that victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The ideal candidate must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the WA State Bar. Benefits
Kittitas County provides base medical, dental, and vision insurance covered in full for employees and their eligible family members. Leave benefits include 11 paid legal holidays, vacation and sick leave, bereavement leave, FMLA, Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave, and more. Student loan forgiveness is available under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Retirement benefits are provided through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Responsibilities
These duties are carried out as directed and assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief. Consult on a frequent basis with all attorneys in the office by being available for questions and providing guidance or feedback for other DPAs as appropriate; attend weekly attorney meetings. Work on special projects as assigned or as deemed appropriate. Read and become familiar with current laws and maintain proficiency with any changes in the law (statutory, admin, and/or caselaw). Provide information and expertise as requested by community groups or classes. Understand and follow all office policies. Work effectively and cooperatively with all office staff. Maintain an accurate calendar (using Outlook) with court appearances, scheduled training, and any time out of the office (sick, vacation, meetings). Communicate clearly and frequently with Division Chief about performance expectations, goals, and work habits. Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief. Criminal Division-specific duties
Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions. Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take “on call” weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7. Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions. Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined. Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc. Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense. Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court. Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument. Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds; prepare opening statements and closing arguments; select juries; be prepared for objections; know and apply rules of evidence. Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel. Apply the sentencing rules to determine the presumptive range and ensure adequate documentation of criminal history; make recommendations for sentencing and defend those recommendations in court. Work with probation officers and Department of Corrections personnel to address probation violations and present probation violation testimony as needed. Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings; respond to defendant’s appeals or petitions, perform legal research and writing; argue appeals in higher courts as applicable. Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys. Civil Division-specific duties
Advise County boards, commissioners, elected officials, and department heads on civil issues. Represent the Prosecutor’s Office at public meetings and executive sessions. Review and evaluate County contracts and forms for legality and recommend changes when necessary. Prepare and/or evaluate drafts of proposed resolutions and ordinances. Research civil and legal issues for County boards, commissions, and departments. Initiate and process appropriate County civil court actions and appeals in state or federal court and represent the County in related proceedings. Appear and represent the County in civil court actions and appeals in state and federal court; respond to public disclosure requests and assist in processing these requests. May be designated as County Claims Administrator. All Positions
High School diploma or GED; Juris Doctorate or Rule 9 with WA Bar admission; knowledge of statutes, case law, and procedures. Valid WSBA license; excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to set priorities, work with law enforcement and staff, follow court rules, maintain professionalism, and serve the public. Equivalency may substitute for stated qualifications at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor. Valid Washington driver’s license and willingness to undergo a background check, including fingerprinting. Experience Levels
Deputy Prosecutor I: 0 – 5 years of licensed attorney experience; Deputy Prosecutor II: 5 – 10 years; Deputy Prosecutor III: 10 or more years. Requirements and Work Environment
Work is in an office or courtroom setting with possible travel to crime scenes. Physical requirements include sustained sitting, walking, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting up to 25 pounds with assistance, and vision/hearing requirements. The role may involve frequent deadlines, interruptions, and exposure to varying emotional contexts. Exempt status; regular hours with additional time as needed; occasional travel; accommodations available for disabilities. The position is currently open until filled with a first review after 10/8/2025. Candidates should apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr