Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

The salary for this position is: $6,825.00 - $13,188.00 monthly.

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division, seeks an entry-level and/or experienced Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to public service. Successful candidates will bring strong legal skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit to support the office’s mission of pursuing justice, protecting the community, and serving victims with fairness and compassion. Duties include prosecution of District Court, Juvenile Court, and/or Superior Court cases, depending on level of qualifications.

Under general supervision, incumbents in this classification are responsible to perform a wide range of professional legal work consistent with the constitutional and statutory duties of the Prosecuting Attorney. The work includes legal research and analysis, document preparation or review, and prosecuting criminal cases in the name of Thurston County or the State of Washington. They exercise considerable legal discretion while working with minimal supervision. All Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are appointed by and represent the elected Prosecuting Attorney in all aspects of their work. They are expected to conduct themselves in a high ethical standard and in accordance with their oath of office and the core values of the office.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and evaluate evidence presented in criminal referrals from law enforcement to determine if criminal charges should be initiated in accordance with office policy, ethical rules, and state law. Conduct all aspects of case prosecution including case management, legal research and document preparation, motion advocacy, plea negotiations and agreements, change of plea hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings. May be assigned cases with charges ranging from misdemeanor to felonies brought in District or Superior Court or other courts if required.
• Provide legal advice to law enforcement with respect to ongoing criminal investigations and assist law enforcement in applying for search warrants, subpoenas, or other investigatory judicial orders. This includes responding to crime scenes at any time to better understand the scene and provide on-scene advice to investigators.
• Responsible for all aspects of preparing charged cases for trial including but not limited to interviewing witnesses, examining physical evidence, trial strategy planning, bringing motions on behalf of the state and responding to defense motions, preparation of trial memoranda and exhibits, and other tasks as may be necessary to the presentation of the evidence.
• Responsible for all aspects of trial work including the presentation of evidence and overall trial advocacy on behalf of Thurston County or the State of Washington. This work is done independently, with minimal supervision and involves the exercise of considerable professional discretion.
• May be assigned to handle appeals filed by either party in any criminal case. This work includes but is not limited to legal research, brief writing, and the presentation of oral arguments in state or federal appellate courts.
• May be asked to provide training presentations to attorneys and staff in the office, law enforcement officers, or other lawyers and legal staff on behalf of other organizations such as the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
• May lead or supervise other attorneys or legal support staff.

To view the full job classification, click here: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Generally work is performed indoors. Physical demands include frequent keyboarding and occasionally will be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time, traveling between court rooms and different locations, reach for objects, and fine manipulation. Physical effort is required at the work location due to occasional heavy lifting up to 20 lbs. May occasionally attend crime scenes.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may require work outside the assigned work hours. Positions in this classification may be considered essential personnel. Essential personnel are defined as staff who are required to report to their designated work location to ensure the operation of essential functions during an emergency or when the county has suspended operations. During a catastrophic emergency that affects countywide operations, positions in this classification may be temporarily reassigned to help maintain certain essential functions that support Thurston County’s infrastructure and service level.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, trainings, or to meet with clients.
• Customer Interactions - Occasionally exposed to hostile or irate individuals, individuals with violent backgrounds.

WHO WE ARE:

The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is committed to Excellence in Public Service. We serve our community by upholding justice, protecting public safety, and providing trusted legal counsel to Thurston County government. Guided by our core values, Excellence, Professionalism, Teamwork, Service, and Leadership, we strive to deliver results that make a meaningful difference.

Our team is proactive in addressing challenges and opportunities. We partner with local governments, law enforcement, and community organizations to prevent crime, support victims, and promote fairness. We believe that investing in education, mentoring, and family support today creates a safer, stronger community tomorrow.

We value diversity and inclusion, recognizing that the strength of our office comes from the unique perspectives and talents of our team. Together, we work with integrity and purpose to ensure justice and improve the quality of life for all Thurston County residents.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Graduation from a recognized and accredited school of law and a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Basic knowledge of the laws of the State of Washington; the rules and procedures of county, state, and federal courts and administrative agencies, and basic techniques of litigation and trial work.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply rules, statutes or other laws or legal principles and precedents to facts to provide advice to clients and formulate arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; work harmoniously with County officials and court personnel; and maintain good public relations.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Solid understanding of laws of the State of Washington, criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning abilities
• Capacity to evaluate cases, apply statutes and case law, and make appropriate charging and disposition decisions
• Proficiency in drafting clear, persuasive motions, memoranda, and trial materials
• Confidence and professionalism in courtroom presentation and oral advocacy
• Ability to effectively examine witnesses, argue motions, and conduct bench or jury trials
• Skill in plea negotiations, case preparation, and presentation of evidence
• Willingness to develop advocacy skills through mentorship, feedback, and courtroom experience
• Commitment to ethical prosecution and the pursuit of justice over convictions
• Ability to exercise sound discretion, fairness, and transparency in decision-making
• Respect for the rights of victims, defendants, and the broader community
• Clear, professional, and respectful communication—both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively with law enforcement, defense counsel, victims, court personnel, and office colleagues
• Professional demeanor under pressure and in high-stakes environments
• Empathy and sensitivity when interacting with victims and witnesses
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy and efficiency
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize multiple deadlines
• Self-motivated, organized, and responsive in a fast-paced team environment
• Dedication to justice, public safety, and the fair administration of law
• Understanding of the diverse communities served by Thurston County and a willingness to approach the work with cultural awareness and respect
• Interest in ongoing professional growth, training, and community engagement
• Proficiency with case management and digital evidence systems
• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite, legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis), and electronic filing and case management systems

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Christen Peters, Chief of Staff, at 360-786-5540 x6250

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for benefits
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Contingent on passing a background investigation

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Reference List
• Supplemental Questionnaire (Applicant Disclosure Form - Pursuant to RCW Section 43.43.83

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.