Job Description

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $91,639.37 - $122,429.50/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date: Open Until Filled; posting may close at any time.

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM

***Please complete the City of Manhattan Municipal Judge Interest Form and upload this document at the same time that you submit your application, resume, and references***

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information along with the completed City of Manhattan Municipal Judge Interest Form. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or hr@cityofmhk.com.

Objective

This position serves as the Municipal Judge pursuant to Kansas law and the Code of Ordinances of the City of Manhattan. The Municipal Judge possesses and exercises all the powers as conferred and defined by state law and will perform the judicial function of the City. The judge is authorized and empowered to exercise independent judgment in all cases brought before the Court without influence or interference by any City official elected or appointed. The Municipal Judge shall hear all cases brought into the Municipal Court and shall have the power to bring before the Municipal Court all parties for trial upon complaints duly and properly made. Appointed by, and receives supervision from, the City Manager, or his/her designee.

Essential Functions

Performs all necessary and proper duties of the position of Municipal Judge pursuant to the laws of the State of Kansas and the City Code.

• Presides over Municipal Court on City matters
• Conducts first appearances/arraignments, trials, hearings and conferences
• Sets bonds and reviews requests for appointed counsel
• Renders decisions on cases and levies penalties commensurate with the violation in such a manner that preserves equity and propriety in the application of existing laws and ordinances
• Convenes courts at the dates and times established by the municipal judge, in consultation with the Court Administrator and City Attorney
• Schedules cases on dockets to provide prompt, swift, and fair administration of justice in consultation with the court clerk to confirm available time, City staff and resources
• Performs legal research as necessary to render opinions
• Issues warrants, summons, and reviews and approve expungements
• Works with the Court Administrator and City Attorney to ensure the orderly, efficient and fiscally responsible operation of the Municipal Court
• Review City ordinances, legislation and current case law affecting offenses and the criminal justice system and implement practices and procedures to ensure compliance
• Performs a variety of administrative duties, such as reviewing and signing paperwork, attending required staff training, etc.
• Performs occasional after-hours calls.
• Other duties as assigned

Participates in training to understand the technology used by law enforcement and the Municipal Court, and completes continuing legal and judicial education. Membership and participation in the Kansas Municipal Judges Association is required.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law and memberships in good standing of the bar of the State of Kansas and the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
• Regularly admitted to practice law in the State of Kansas for at last five years.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two (2) or more years prior experience in a municipal court.

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.