Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - DPA I, DPA II and Senior DPA

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney - DPA I, DPA II and Senior DPA

Salary

$92,123.20 - $149,614.40 Annually

Location

Franklin County Courthouse Campus - Pasco WA

Job Type

Full-Time Bargaining

Job Number

202300006

Department

Prosecutors Office

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Description

Senior DPA - The Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney plans, organizes, performs, and coordinates the prosecuting of criminal or civil cases for the County. This position prepares and tries the more complex felony and/or civil cases.

DPA I & DPA II - The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) plans, organizes, performs, and coordinates the prosecuting of criminal or civil cases for the County.

• Letter of Interest and current Resume are required*

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

ALL POSITIONS

• Researches, documents, negotiates with defense attorneys, prepares briefs, and prosecutes cases, according to current department and County practices.
• Screens, reviews, and evaluates factual and legal bases for complaints and cases filed to determine legal sufficiency; requests further investigation by law enforcement as necessary; prepares charges to be filed.
• Provides legal advice and information to County departments, elected officials, and civic groups using verbal presentations and written documentation. May present information before the court, the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, or in administrative hearings.
• Pursues self-development and continuing personal development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing personal networks.
• Oversees the creation, development, and maintenance of systems and records including case files, lists, logs, and other recordkeeping systems utilizing computerized and manual systems that provide for proper evaluation, control, and documentation of assigned operations, according to current department and county practices.
• Monitors, reports, interprets, communicates, and recommends changes to policy, procedures, or programs due to new trends, innovations, federal, state and local rules, laws, regulations, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to the assigned area of operations.

DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY II

• Prosecutes a broader range of cases, and more complex or difficult cases requiring more advanced trial and legal skills.
• Accomplishes work with greater independence than the DPA I.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of modern principles, methods, and practices in criminal and/or civil law and related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures as well as advanced knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. (Proficient skills required for DPA I)

• Expert knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation and advanced knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence. (Proficient skills required for DPA II and General Skills for DPA I)

• Expert knowledge of Franklin County business and financial acumen and the application and interpretation of Franklin County policies and procedures and federal, state, and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to area(s) of assignment, according to current department and county practices. (Proficient skills required for DPA II and General Skills for DPA I)

• Expert knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools, equipment, and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment according to current department and county practices. (Proficient skills required for DPA I)

• Expert skills in analyzing complex legal problems, applying legal principles, and planning case strategies. (Proficient skills required for DPA II and General Skills for DPA I)

• Expert skills in proactive troubleshooting, decision making, and resolving issues or problems by analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals. (Proficient skills required for DPA I)

• Expert time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully. (Proficient skills required for DPA I)

• Expert computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, the internet for research, and the ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the County-wide, Prosecuting Attorney, and Child Support resource planning software. (General skills required for DPA II and DPA I)

• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and/or confidential information.

• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideals and recommendations effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgement.

• Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.

• Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments and caseloads to meet deadlines, and communicate changes and progress to staff, remaining calm during emergency situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, a typical office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The person in this position must be able to

• spend the following amount of time in an activity:
• carry or transport up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• have peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and have close vision (1-20 inches) and distance vision (20 feet or more).

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor Degree.
• Senior DPA - Five years' experience preparing and prosecuting criminal and/or civil cases.
• DPA I and II - Zero to Five years' experience preparing and prosecuting criminal and/or civil cases.

OR

• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County's liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
• Valid driver's license if driving a vehicle for County business.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Washington.

Supplemental Information

The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements, and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

FRANKLIN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

If you require an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of applications materials, contact the Human Resources Department at 509-546-5813 or hr@franklincountywa.gov.

• Letter of Interest and current Resume are required*

Franklin County offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including healthcare, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays and paid time off.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Employer Franklin County (WA)

Address 1016 N 4th Ave A-101

Pasco, Washington, 99301

Phone 509-546-5813

Website https://www.franklincountywa.gov/262/Human-Resources