Assistant to the Hearing Examiner

This position is 32 hours per week in the office two days a week and the remaining remote. Rates posted are 2024.

Why It's a Great Opportunity: As a non-partisan seasoned administrative professional with a legal background, you will have the opportunity to support the Hearing Examiner who is charged with conducting public hearings, preparing findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issuing final decisions for appeals of a variety of land use matters and non-land use matters. You will organize files, schedule site visits, prepare public meetings, complete the legally required documentation process, and assist the Hearing Examiner with the issuance and recording of decisions. Why It's a Great Organization: The Pierce County Council is the legislative branch of Pierce County government and is the policy-determining body of the County, as provided by the County Charter. The County's Home Rule Charter, approved by voters in November 1980, separated executive and legislative duties by establishing a County Executive and a seven-member County Council. Members of the Council are elected from seven contiguous and equally populated districts. Each member of the Council is elected to a four-year term. Learn more about the Pierce County Council here. How to be Successful in the Role: We are looking for someone flexible, well-organized with independent judgment who has:

• Understanding of the Legislative process, regulations, Washington Public Records Act, and Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal office practices, methods, and procedures.
• Strong nonpartisan customer relations skills in a political office environment including the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Prioritizes work and handles a variety of tasks simultaneously, with frequent interruptions.
• Effectively interacts with the public and employees in a professional manner.
• Handles sensitive situations and confidential information with diplomacy and discretion.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, Zoom, and Excel.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with limited supervision.

• Coordinate and maintain the hearing calendar for Hearing Examiners, coordinate schedules and locations with parties involved.
• Attend hearings, help organize exhibits, assist with public testimony, and manage the technical aspects of in-person and virtual meetings.
• Transport Hearing Examiners to and from site visits in a county fleet vehicle when requested or where necessary.
• Prepare, record, and send correspondence related to hearings and meetings including legal documents, exhibits, reports, and hearing decisions.
• Perform various administrative duties in support of Hearing Examiners such as prepare agendas and supporting documents, and obtain information from departments, agencies, appellants and the public to be used for case development.
• Create and maintain case files, monitor status, and track deadlines for timely preparation and disposition of cases.
• Respond to inquiries and communications in person, electronically and by telephone.
• Assist in the preparation and finalization of hearing decisions, proofread for accuracy and content.
• Establish and maintain Hearing Examiner files and records, including those of a confidential nature. Fulfill records retrieval requests in coordination with Council staff.
• Arrange for interpreter services for hearings as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable State laws and County code and provide general advice on administrative hearing protocols.

• Three years of administrative, customer service, or public relations experience in a government setting. Experience in the legal field and/or related legal training by an accredited college or university is preferred.
• High School diploma or GED
• Licensed to drive in the state of Washington required.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:
• **Submit a current resume and cover letter.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at , at least two days prior to the need.