TEMPORARY PART TIME POSITION
Pro-Tem Judge
DEPARTMENT: Tribal Court
REPORTS TO:Chief Judge
DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
On an on-call basis by the Chief Judge, preside over criminal, civil and juvenile cases for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and in accordance with Section 1-15(d) of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s Law and Order Code.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATED ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Hears and determines all types of cases filed in the Tribal Court, including but not limited to: criminal, traffic, civil (e.g. domestic relations, probate, repossession, breach of contract, personal injury), juvenile, and children cases (e.g. neglect, dependency, incorrigibility, truancy) as directed by the Chief Judge.
· Conducts legal research and issues orders in connection with cases heard in a timely matter.
· Presides over jury trials;
· Issues search and seizure warrants, arrest warrants, and orders of protection where appropriate.
· Assists in the development of court rules of procedure in all areas listed above.
· Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
· Demonstrates oral and written communication skills as well as skill in legal research and analytical skills commensurate with the position of Associate Judge.
· Knowledge of general legal principles in all areas listed in “Duties and Responsibilities”.
· Knowledge of Federal Indian Law Indian Child Welfare Act
· Must understand, appreciate and promote the ideas of tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty.
· Must understand, appreciate and promote Native American tribal governments and Native American people.
· Must have a working knowledge of computers and software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION (established by Article III, Section 1-18, Fort McDowellIndian Community Law and Order Code):
1) Must be At least thirty (30) years of age
2) Must be a law school graduate OR possess a minimum of three years experience as a judge, practicing attorney or advocate and have a high school diploma or GED Certification
3) Juris Doctorate preferred
4) Must submit to and pass a FBI criminal history background check
5) Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen
6) Must have a current AZ driver’s license and meet FMYN insurance standards.
POSITION STATUS: Temporary, Part-Time. By definition, a Judge Pro Tempore is a temporary member of the judiciary, the removal requirements under Article VII, Section 11 of the FMYN Constitution do not apply. Rather, a Judge Pro Tempore serves at the pleasure of the Chief Judge and the Tribal Council may remove a person from the list authorized under Section 1-15(d) of the Tribal Law and Order Code in its sole discretion.
PAY RATE: $88.00 Per hour Depending on Experience
OPEN DATE: August 12, 2026 CLOSE DATE: August 26, 2026
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resources Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779 Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7119
Email: [email protected]
INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes. To be considered for Indian Preference, you must submit your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) with your application.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK WHICH MAY INCLUDE FINGERPRINTING.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $88.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
