Magistrate

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina Judicial Branch seeks a Magistrate (NS) for the District Court's Magistrates division. The role involves evaluating criminal charges, issuing warrants, and performing initial appearances. Requires readiness for irregular hours and maintaining residency in the serving county.

The entry rate aligns with an active law license; salary range posted reflects between $51,951 and $69,551 per year. This full-time position contributes to justice administration across NC districts.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four year college or university.
• Eight years as a law enforcement officer in NC or an associate degree with four years in a related field.
• Must be resident of the county served or contiguous county.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requests for criminal charges and issue criminal process and search warrants.
• Conduct initial appearances including bond hearings.
• Preside over Small Claims Court hearings and marriage ceremonies.
• Work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Judgment

Office skills

Computer skills

Court procedures

Communication

Education

Four-year degree

Law enforcement experience (NC)

Associate degree + 4 years experience

Job description

Agency

District Court

Division

Magistrates

Job Classification Title

Magistrate (NS)

Position Number

60005554

Grade

JM45

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina’s courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $51,951.00 - $69,551.00

RECRUITING FOR TWO (2) POSITIONS.

The Clerk of Superior Court, in his/her sole discretion, nominates person(s) to be considered for appointment to the position of magistrate to the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge. The Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, in his/her sole discretion, appoints magistrate(s) to an initial two-year term. The Chief District Court Judge determines magistrates’ work schedules.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Magistrates are judicial officials who evaluate requests for criminal charges and issue criminal process and search warrants. In addition, magistrates conduct initial appearances, including bond hearings, for defendants upon arrest. Magistrates preside over Small Claims Court hearings and marriage ceremonies. Must be able to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. The person in this full‑time position will serve as an officer of district court in accordance with NC General Statutes §7A 170-179.

Entry rate of pay commensurate with prior experience as a Magistrate; $69,551.00 is the entry rate of pay for a Magistrate with an active law license from any state

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

Individuals most suited for magistrate positions possess the ability to exercise sound judgment and to make decisions, are proficient at general office and computer skills, understand North Carolina Court Systems procedures, are team players with the ability to work under pressure, and have the ability to communicate effectively with the general public.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university; or eight years as a law enforcement officer in NC ; or an associate degree and four years of work experience in a related field. Related fields include: teaching, social services, law enforcement, arbitration or mediation, the court system, or counseling.

Magistrates are statutorily required to live in the county the magistrate position serves at the time of nomination or a contiguous county (touching along a boundary or a point). See a map of North Carolina counties to determine if your county of residence meets statutory requirements. You MUST be a resident of Catawba County or one of its contiguous counties to be eligible for this position.

EEO Statement

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.