City of Guntersville

Alabama's Lake City!

Magistrate

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcement Date:  August 12, 2025

Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Announcement Type:  Internal/External

Announcement Number:  25-14

Job Title:  Magistrate

Department:  Municipal Court

Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM

FLSA Classification:  Hourly, Non Exempt

Nature of Work

This is specialized, complex administrative work required to assist the Court Clerk/Magistrate in issuing and reporting of arrest warrants, complaints, and affidavits, granting of bail, and receiving pleas of guilty in minor misdemeanor cases and overall operations of the Municipal Court office.  Work is reviewed by the Court Clerk/Magistrate for conformity with legal procedures and points of law an after-the-fact basis.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Court Clerk/Magistrate.

Essential Functions

  • Responsible for the handling of municipal court case files, assign case numbers, and all associated paperwork.
  • Takes the complaint’s sworn affidavit, issues the arrest warrant, record and file the warrant for municipal ordinance violation.
  • Accepts guilty pleas in minor misdemeanor cases where a schedule of fines have been prescribed and in-takes uniform traffic citations and accepts payment in pleas of guilty.
  • Grants and sets bail in minor misdemeanor prosecutions according to a discretionary bail schedule, and also authorizes the release of defendants on their personal recognizance.
  • Responsible for accepting, receipting, and accounting of all monies which pass through the municipal court system and the Court Clerk/Magistrate’s office.
  • Answers phone and responds to public request for information.
  • Assist in preparing court docket for all municipal court sessions.
  • Attends and assist in municipal court session as needed.
  • These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive duties.  Other duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any given time at the discretion of the Court Clerk/Magistrate.  It may be done formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and multi-line phones.
  • Skilled in the operation of computers and to utilize applicable software.  
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate ability to deliver exceptional customer service to general public of all backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, empathy, and responsiveness.
  • Ability to learn and apply municipal court procedures and rules relevant to the area of assignment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship supervisor, co-workers, City Judge, City Attorney, general public, and those in contact in course of work.
  • Ability to attend off-site training classes and professional meeting as required.
  • Ability to be “on-call” for after hour hearings.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduation for an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • Valid Alabama driver’s license with driving record suitable for insurability.

Necessary Special Requirements

  • State of Alabama certified magistrate as designated by the Alabama Office of Courts preferred or obtain certification within a designated period of time.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time (e.g. 6-8 hours per day); ability to stand frequently; ability to climb, bend, kneel, squat, twist, reach, grasp, handle, push, pull, and lift or carry 10-20lbs occasionally.

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the ADA) expected of an incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be ask to perform other duties required.  This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and position responsibilities.  Nothing in the job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application Process

Applications may be obtained from the City of Guntersville Human Resources (Personnel) Office located at 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL or by visiting our website at www.guntersvilleal.org.  Completed applications for qualified applicants should be returned to the City of Guntersville Human Resources (Personnel) Department at 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976 or be emailed to humanresources@guntersvilleal.gov.    Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

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