Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor

County of Kittitas (WA); Ellensburg (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

County of Kittitas (WA) is seeking a Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney to manage the day-to-day operations of the Criminal Division under the Prosecuting Attorney. This role oversees policies and procedures, supervises Deputy Prosecutors, and ensures proper representation of the County in legal matters.

It requires a JD, WA Bar admission, and extensive government legal experience. The position emphasizes confidentiality, risk management, and collaboration with various agencies, while

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in Washington State Bar Association.
• Minimum 15+ years of relevant legal practice, with government experience preferred.
• Two+ years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Criminal Division.
• Coordinate policies and procedures with Prosecuting Attorney guidance.
• Supervise Deputy Prosecutors and ensure proper legal representation for the County.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage risk as required.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Legal expertise

Government experience

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission - WA State

Job description

The Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney manages the day-to-day operations of the Criminal Division of the Prosecutor’s Office. In consultation with the Prosecuting Attorney, oversees and coordinates a variety of functions, policies, and procedures in the operations and programs of the office. This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

This position is open-until-filled with a first review after 11/19/2026.

The Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office

The Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office is a small, close-knit office dedicated to victim-centric prosecution and commitment to a safe community. The office, employing 26 staff, is made up of two divisions; the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. The Civil Division serves as the attorney for Kittitas County, providing legal advice and representation. The Criminal Division receives referrals from law enforcement agencies to review for possible criminal charges. The office utilizes a paperless file system for case management and court dockets. Our office values supporting a work/life balance for all staff, and we strive to bring fun and laughter to each work day.

Kittitas County

Situated in central Washington between the foothills of the stunning Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Kittitas County residents enjoy limitless activities and recreation opportunities year-round. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, residents and visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, numerous golf courses, fishing and boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, and backpacking.

Residents here enjoy the small-town feel with easy access to Seattle, just a two hour drive from Ellensburg, the largest city in Kittitas County. Ellensburg is well known for its friendly residents and rural life-style, along with summer music festivals, seasonal Farmer’s Market, and the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo.

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).

This position may be required to perform a portion or all of the duties described below, as determined by Prosecutor, and MUST MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.

Supervisory Duties

• Make hiring and personnel assignment recommendations to the Prosecuting Attorney.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work of division staff; establish priorities; instruct and train correct methods and procedures.
• Review and evaluate staff performance; mediate problems and conflicts among attorneys and support staff.
• Supervise assigned Deputy Prosecutors in their provision of written and verbal legal advice to County offices and designated agencies.
• Oversee the Prosecuting Attorney's obligations under the County's Risk Management Program. This includes the review of claims filed against the County and representation of the County in all actions for damages brought against the County.
• Responsible for the initial review and assignment of cases; ensure proper representation of the County is provided.

Act as a representative of/liaison for the Prosecuting Attorney

• Maintain positive relationships with other agencies to address problems and resolve inter-agency conflicts as they arise.
• Represent the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with various agencies, judges, court commissioners, County officials, school officials, bar association, etc.
• Respond to inquiries from the public and give appropriate answers or make referrals.
• Serve on specific task groups or committees as directed by the Prosecuting Attorney.
• Supervise the Prosecuting Attorney’s obligations under the County’s Risk Management Program. This includes the review of claims filed against the County and the supervision of the representation of the County in all actions for damages brought against the County.
• Be available on a 24-hour on-call basis to advise the Prosecuting Attorney, Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys and/or law enforcement officers during investigations.
• Advise the Prosecuting Attorney as to the merits and statutes of cases and legal opinions.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Perform additional work of a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney as necessary.
• Confer with the other Chief Deputies and the Prosecuting Attorney concerning media relations including the release of information, press conferences, responses to inquiries on cases, etc.; conduct media releases and interviews when directed or authorized.
• Assist the Prosecuting Attorney in the preparation and administration of the office budget throughout the year.
• Assist in drafting and preparing proposals for legislation and/or ordinances, gather and analyze pertinent court decisions, legislation and regulations from other sources.

This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department-related duties may be assigned as required.

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school followed by admission to the Washington State Bar.
• 15+ years of relevant practice as an attorney with preferably three (3) years’ experience working in government related criminal or civil matters.
• Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience.
• Current member of the Washington State Bar Association.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as relativity to the position, age and time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into account.

Work is generally performed in a high volume office or courtroom setting with sustained posture in a seated position, prolonged periods of computer operation, and periods of standing; frequent use of standard office equipment; regular interaction with employees and the public; periods of increased activity and exposure to angry or emotional customers; strength to lift, pull, push, and/or carry up to 25 pounds and potentially more with assistance; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone; ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, ascend/descend stairs, and reach with arms and legs. Duties may occasionally be performed in non-office settings, outdoors, or at a variety of County locations.

Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required and expected Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, exempt/management positions are expected to work the number of hours required to complete the duties of the position, and may have to respond outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays.

Periodic travel will be required for meetings and/or training opportunities. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in varied weather conditions and levels of daylight.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.