About the Hualapai Tribe
The Hualapai Tribe, known as the "People of the Tall Pines," is a federally recognized Indian Tribe in northwestern Arizona. Established in 1883, the reservation spans nearly one million acres along 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River, with landscapes ranging from rolling grasslands to rugged canyons. The tribal capital, Peach Springs, serves as the administrative and cultural hub, reflecting the Tribe’s rich heritage and commitment to community development.
Dedicated to self-sufficiency, the Hualapai Tribe operates several enterprises, including the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, which manages world-renowned attractions such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk and Hualapai River Runners, the only Indian-owned and operated river rafting company on the Colorado River. These ventures fuel a thriving tourism and hospitality sector, drawing visitors from across the country. Beyond tourism, they create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
Joining the Hualapai Tribe means becoming part of a community that values leadership, innovation, and respect for the land. It’s an opportunity to work alongside a team dedicated to preserving cultural heritage while promoting long-term sustainability and economic growth.
For more information, please visit our website: hualapai-nsn.gov
About the Opportunity
The Hualapai Tribe is looking for a full-time Chief Judge based in Peach Springs, AZ. This role is a two-year term appointment by the Tribal Council, with the opportunity for reappointment based on performance and Council approval.
Reporting to the Tribal Council, you will play a pivotal role as the highest official of the Judicial Branch, overseeing court operations, upholding tribal law, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.
In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading the Hualapai Judiciary, presiding over cases, managing judicial staff, and ensuring compliance with tribal, federal, and state legal standards.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Overseeing the administration and operations of the Tribal Court, including budget planning and policy implementation
- Exercising independent judicial authority in hearing and deciding civil, juvenile, and criminal cases
- Supervising the Associate Judge(s), Court Administrator, and court staff, providing guidance on legal policies and procedures
- Issuing legal documents such as warrants, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments
- Developing and revising court procedures, forms, and tribal codes in alignment with legal standards
- Representing the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences
- Ensuring professional development by attending legal training, judicial management courses, and relevant tribal law events
- Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in all judicial processes
About You
To qualify, you will need 10+ years of legal leadership experience in tribal, federal, or state law, along with a relevant law degree, preferably a Juris Doctor (JD), or 5+ years of dedicated experience in progressively responsible judicial court administrative roles.
The following are required:
- No conviction of a serious misdemeanor within one year of the application date, whether on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction
- A valid driver’s license with the ability to pass an MVR check
- Ability to undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprint clearance for vulnerable sectors
- Ability to submit to pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings
Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:
- Extensive experience in civil, juvenile, and criminal law, with the ability to oversee a broad range of cases
- Strong knowledge of tribal, federal, and/or state court procedures, including legal frameworks governing Indigenous communities
- Familiarity with the Hualapai Law and Order Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the Indian Child Welfare Act
- Proven ability to align prosecutors, public defenders, law enforcement, and Tribal Council members to uphold justice and ensure a unified approach to community well-being
- Demonstrated leadership in overseeing court operations, managing judicial staff, and implementing policies that strengthen the judiciary
- Strong legal writing and analytical skills for drafting opinions, court orders, and judicial decisions
- Knowledge of grant writing, financial planning, and resource management to support judicial initiatives
- Ability to represent the Judicial Branch before the Tribal Council, government agencies, and at legal conferences
As our ideal candidate, serving at the pleasure of the Tribal Council, you bring sound judgment, resilience, and a deep understanding of the responsibility of leading the judicial branch. You will navigate this role with authority, humility, and empathy, ensuring justice is upheld with strength and fairness. Unifying departments, you will foster a judicial system that is firm yet fair, balancing legal integrity with cultural awareness while serving the community with transparency, clarity, accountability, and trust.
This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a strong backbone, deep respect for tribal governance, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The Hualapai Tribal Court seeks a leader who can unite stakeholders, drive meaningful change, and build a lasting foundation for justice and stability.
About the Benefits
In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $118,000-$178,000 (This position is posted with the full salary range indicating future potential earnings; however, the actual hiring salary for this position is dependent upon relevant experience and qualifications above minimum requirements and position funding), along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Employer-provided health coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
- Pension plan & 401(k) with 5% employer contributions
- Generous PTO & Flexible working hours where applicable
- Fitness and wellness incentives to promote a healthy lifestyle
- Professional development opportunities to support career growth
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Access to employee transportation, gas mileage reimbursement, & travel/flight allowance (if travel is required)
- A workplace built on community and collaboration, with opportunities to connect through events like Cooking With Rosemary workshops, Valentine’s Day 5K runs, and the Gathering of Native Americans (GONA)
If you’re looking for a meaningful opportunity to make an impact and contribute to a strong, community-driven team, we encourage you to apply today!
HUALAPAI NATION
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
OPEN COMPETITIVE
JOB TITLE Chief Judge
JUDICIAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT Tribal Court
CLASS Council Appointed
SALARY D.O.Q
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Judge is appointed to a two-year term by the Tribal Council and serves as the highest official of the Judicial Branch of the Hualapai Tribal Government. The Chief Judge conducts hearings, trials, and performs other general judicial duties. The Chief Judge is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Hualapai Judiciary and proper administration of Justice. The Chief Judge exercises ultimate supervisory authority over the Court Administrator and all court staff also exercises supervision over Associate Judge(s) and pro temp judge(s).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, and submits annual judicial reports to Tribal Council and funding agencies.
- Exercises independent professional judgment in deciding cases and controversies filed properly before the Tribal Court.
- Oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of operations, budget planning, revision or implementation of court policies.
- Supervises the work of the Associate Judge(s) and court staff, counsels staff regarding matter of policy and practices as well as offer suggestions and corrections.
- Issues warrants of arrest, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, court orders (including formal orders per court of appeals), judgments, commitments and other legal documents as necessary.
- Presides over all cases Civil, Juvenile, criminal cases and other matters arising and applicable to the Hualapai Tribe’s Law and Order Code.
- Assist is developing court procedures, forms and tribal codes.
- Maintains professional education and interaction at meetings/conferences to keep abreast of changes in requirements which affect the Tribe and the current trends in the legal field.
- Represents the Judicial system before the Tribal Council, Local, County, State and Federal agencies and National meetings.
- Attend Tribal Court Management, judicial skills, substantive and procedural legal training and other tribal conferences or training.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Any person shall be eligible to serve as Chief Judge whether or not he/she is a resident of the Hualapai reservation.
- Must be 21 years of age possess an educational background sufficient to effectively communicate legal concepts and skills in a Native American Tribal Court setting;
- A familiarity with the various Native American customs and traditions as it effects the criminal justice system in a Native setting;
- Knowledge of the Hualapai Law and Order Code, Indian Civil Rights Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, and other ordinances adopted by the Hualapai Tribe.
- Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal Court procedures which may be useful in hearings and deciding cases.
- Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D AND a minimum of five years of experience in a law related field.
- Must possess better than overage oral and written communication skills.
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to understand and analyze legal issues, principles and doctrines in order to decide cases and controversies.
- A minimum of five years of responsible leadership experience in management or supervisory positions.
- Has not been convicted of a serious misdemeanor within one (1) year of the date of application, committed on the Reservation or in another jurisdiction.
- Knowledge of Court procedures and analytical techniques and procedures.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass an MVR check and criminal background check.
- Submit to and pass a pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screening.
- Must have substantial experience in grant writing and grant management,
Education, experience and skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic economics, budgeting, and accounting principles and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource to the court staff in order to provide leadership and direction.
Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment.
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HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a completed Employment Application to: Human Resources Department, PO Box 179, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, fax (928) 769-1191, or call (928) 769-2215/2216 for information. To be considered for employment, the Human Resources Department must receive a completed application by 5:00 PM on the closing date. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. All applications and supporting documentation submitted becomes the property of the Human Resources Department, please keep copies for your own reference.
PREFERENCE:
All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. However, preference will be given to qualified Community members, to qualified persons of Indian descent, then to other qualified candidates in accordance with Public Law 88-355, Section 703 (702-71) and public Law 93-638, Section 7B.
"An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Candidates with documented relevant experience are encouraged to apply." THE HUALAPAI TRIBE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities
