SUPERIOR COURT COMMISSIONER

Probate Division - 009

DEFINITION:

Under general direction of the Presiding Judge and Judge(s), this professional level position performs various judicial functions as prescribed by law or conferred by the court. The power and authority of court commissioners is specified by statutes. Commissioners have the same jurisdiction and exercise the same powers and duties as the judges of the Superior Court with respect to infractions and small claims actions, and in other matters pursuant to stipulation of the parties.

REPRESENTATIVE TITLES:

Probate Commissioner, Traffic Trial Commissioner, Child Support Commissioner, Family Law Commissioner, Juvenile Referee and Pretrial Release Program Commissioner.

LOCATION AND ASSIGNMENT:

This position will be assigned to the Probate Division in the Metropolitan Division in Bakersfield. It is anticipated that this will be a long-term assignment, but candidate may be required to undertake other assignments, consistent with the court’s needs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This professional level class performs judicial functions for the Superior Court, assisting the courts in disposing of business connected with the administration of justice, including acting as a temporary judge in certain types of cases. It is distinguished from the position of judge in that it is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the judges and acts only as a temporary judge, presiding over cases as directed, by the Presiding Judge.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• 
  Acts as a temporary judge in assigned court cases pursuant to the stipulation of counsel or parties when required; conducts a daily court calendar; presides over hearings and trials; makes rulings, findings, judgments, and orders.
• Exercises the same powers and duties as a judge of the court in assigned cases, with the same jurisdiction.
• Performs the functions of a probate commissioner, including review of pleadings and accountings in probate, guardianship, conservatorship and related matters; approves creditors' claims, ex parte requests and other probate actions; and presides over probate proceedings as assigned.
• Reviews court files, documents, and related materials to assess cases prior to and following hearings; prepares court documents, records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials pertaining to case findings.
• Based upon the needs of the Court, may also preside over proceedings in one or more of the following: civil and small claims actions; criminal and traffic arraignments; hearings and trials of infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies; family law and juvenile court.
• Based upon the needs of the Court, may also arraign defendants; grant continuances; hear, review, and rule on a variety of petitions, motions, and other actions; take evidence from concerned parties and other witnesses; make or recommend appropriate court orders; accept pleas and impose sentences; set cases for hearing and trial; conduct court and jury trials.
• May be required to hear cases in Regional Court and Night Court on a rotational basis.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

Knowledge of legal principles and precedents as applied to judicial procedures is required. A qualified candidate must have active membership in the State Bar of California and have been admitted to practice for a period of at least ten years. Experience in probate is highly desirable, and experience in other areas, including civil, criminal, child support, family, juvenile, and/or law and motion litigation is recommended. Incumbents must be United States citizens and cannot engage in active practice of law during employment with the court in this capacity.

This professional level class works independently under general direction of the judges of the court as a temporary judge, in accordance with State law. Incumbents have responsibility for interpreting, enforcing, and carrying out current laws. Actions to be taken and decisions to be made include researching specified decision issues, and issuing judgments, orders, etc. Erroneous decisions could result in failure to achieve critical goals, open the court to possible litigation, and seriously affect the lives of parties involved.

All applicants are required to submit an online application. Résumés will not be accepted in lieu of the required application.

Status Notifications: You will be notified by email through the governmentjobs.com site during the process of this recruitment. Some email accounts have been known to place these emails in the spam/junk file. Please check your email folders and/or accept emails ending with governmentjobs.com and kern.courts.ca.gov If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com

Applicants are welcome to apply online using the computer terminal at our Main office located on the second floor at 1415 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, California 93301. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed during Court holidays.