Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

The Position

Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney represents Douglas County in criminal and civil matters, with a primary focus on criminal prosecution at the District Court level. Responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting criminal cases in District Court or Superior Court, handling RALJ appeals before the Superior Court and felony appeals before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, and covering calendars and trials in Superior, District, and/or Juvenile Court as required.

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney reviews referred cases for charging and legal sufficiency, determines appropriate charges, and works closely with law enforcement to ensure thorough investigation and legal compliance. This includes providing legal advice on statutory and constitutional issues. The role handles pretrial matters such as preliminary appearances, omnibus hearings, bail hearings, suppression and confession hearings, pleas, and sentencings. The role is also responsible for researching legal issues, drafting memoranda, motions, and briefs, and preparing cases for litigation or administrative proceedings.

Trial strategy, including the organization, timing, and presentation of evidence and witnesses, falls within the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney's discretion, in coordination with Victim/Witness staff. The position keeps the Prosecuting Attorney and other parties informed of case progress and direction and may assist other attorneys with legal research and drafting. While the focus is criminal prosecution, occasional civil-side duties may be assigned. Court appearances are a required part of this role. However, Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys may work from home when not needed in court. The office is not yet paperless but expects to make a major shift in that direction by July 1, 2026.

The Ideal Candidate

Required Education & Experience

• Membership in good standing with the Washington Bar Association.
• A valid Washington State driver's license.
• Satisfactory criminal background check required as job offer condition.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced skills with computers and software, with an emphasis on the MS Office Suite.
• Strong English language skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to organize and plan multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong public relations, customer service, and telephone skills in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively deal with people who may be emotionally charged by issues and information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and good public relations with other employees, agencies, property owners, and the general public.
• Ability to successfully perform responsible and complex work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative without supervision.
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful situations and provide problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining the flexibility necessary to accommodate any given situation.
• Willingness and ability to attend meetings and training in and outside the Douglas County area.
• Projection of a professional image.

Compensation & Benefits

• $114,912 - $126,108+ DOE
• 100% Employer-paid medical coverage for the employee (three medical plan options.)
• 100% Employer-paid dental coverage through Delta Dental.
• 100% Employer-paid vision coverage through Ameritas.
• Employer-paid life & accidental death insurance through Mutual of Omaha ($12,000 coverage.)
• Optional AFLAC and Life Flight supplemental plans.
• HRA VEBA (Health Reimbursement Account) - County contributes minimum $125 up to $305.57.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (pre-tax insurance premiums, healthcare, and dependent care.)
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Washington State Retirement Systems (PERS / PSERS eligible/required) – employer and employee contributions.
• 2.5% County-funded deferred compensation through Nationwide or DRS (optional employee contribution.)
• Longevity Pay: begins after 5 years at $35.50/month, up to $377.50/month after 30 years.
• Bilingual pay available.
• 11 Paid holidays per year.
• 1 Paid floating/personal holiday per year.
• Sick Leave: 8 hours accrued per month.
• Annual Leave / Paid Time Off: 8 hours per month to start, increasing with longevity up to 15 hours per month.
• Vacation pool may be available.
• Relocation and housing assistance package available.
• Work from home available, when DPA is not required in person in Court.