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Job Description
Definition and Class Characteristics
INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD THE WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2026
* * * UP TO $5,000 HIRING BONUS * * *
The Nevada County District Attorney's Office is hiring a Criminal Attorney I/II/III.
Please apply to all levels that you want to be considered for.
The Nevada County District Attorney’s Office is seeking dedicated, ethical, and community-minded attorneys to join our team in Nevada City, California. We are currently recruiting for two Attorney positions within our office at the I/II/III levels, depending on qualifications and experience, in the following practice areas:- General Crimes Attorney I : Focuses primarily on misdemeanor general criminal prosecutions, including violent offenses.
- Special Victims Unit Attorney I : Handles sensitive and complex cases involving crimes against vulnerable victims to include domestic violence and child abuse matters. This position offers the unique opportunity to work closely with the newly established Family Justice Center of Nevada County. This role requires strong communication skills, compassion, integrity, and trauma-informed practices.
These positions offer an exceptional opportunity for attorneys who are passionate about public service, courtroom advocacy, and making a significant impact in the community through criminal prosecution.
As an Attorney I, you will manage criminal cases from filing through disposition while working alongside experienced prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and law enforcement partners. Attorneys in these roles gain valuable courtroom experience and development in a collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities Include:- Conducting legal research and analyzing evidence
- Reviewing reports, digital evidence, recordings, and witness statements
- Evaluating cases and determining appropriate charging decisions
- Negotiating plea deals and litigation
- Preparing and conducting jury trials and evidentiary hearings
- Collaborating with law enforcement agencies and victim advocates
- Developing case strategies and managing caseloads independently
- Prosecuting criminal matters in accordance with California law and ethical standards
The ideal candidate is adaptable, collaborative, and committed to public service. Successful applicants will demonstrate:- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Good judgment and strategic problem-solving abilities
- Professionalism and integrity in fast-paced situations
- The capacity to develop cooperative working connections
- Excellent listening and negotiation skills
- Strong organizational and technological skills
- A dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth
- The ability to approach sensitive cases with empathy, discretion, and integrity
Salary & Benefits
Nevada County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; paid holidays and generous leave programs; tuition reimbursement; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
We also prioritize work-life balance, employee wellness, and professional development. We offer the opportunity to live and work in a vibrant mountain community with rivers, trails, and outdoor recreation.
Why Nevada County?
Nevada County is committed to encouraging a workplace culture built on collaboration, integrity, innovation, and service. County leadership values employee engagement, supports professional growth, and promotes open communication and continuous improvement. Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. Your contribution directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community every day.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
For a complete review of the job specification, click here .
Education and Experience Required
Level I: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited law school.
State Bar: Candidate must be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California.
**If you have recently passed the California State Bar and are pending your BAR number, please upload a copy of your proof of passing**
Benefits Guide
The Benefits Guide is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans- Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
- Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
- Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
- Blue Shield Trio HMO
- Kaiser HMO
- PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
- PERS Platinum PPO
- PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:- Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Basic Term Life
- Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
- Optional Dependent Term Life
- Optional Term Life
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.
CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62
CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, www.calpers.ca.gov , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.
NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.
Nevada County Human Resources Department
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2
Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov
www.nevadacountyca.gov
Closing Date/Time: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Nevada
Show moreAbout:
Nestled into the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada County is known as the heart of the “Gold Country.” Nevada County is known to provide its residents with a great quality of life.
The economy is well supported by a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, retail, technology, agriculture, construction and health services.
Nevada County has an above-average high school graduation rate, accessibility to traditional, charter and private schools, and higher-level education at two local Sierra College campuses.
Infrastructure projects such as the broadband initiative and library technology center offer opportunities for viable expansion while maintaining a small-town feel. The Gold Country is often a recommended tourist destination and stands out for its rich history, museums, and quaint Victorian architecture coupled with an assortment of outdoor, arts, and cultural activities offered yearround.
Residents and visitors enjoy Nevada County’s historic foothill towns nestled amidst pristine rivers, picturesque forests and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nevada County offers a rural, small-town lifestyle, while still being located within a convenient distance from urban centers in Sacramento, the Bay Area and Reno.
Weather:
The weather of Nevada County is another valued feature of the area. Residents enjoy a long, warm sunny season while experiencing color changes in the fall with cool, occasionally snowy winters. Summer temperatures are typically mild, with average highs near 85 degrees in July. Rain in January typically averages ten inches per year and the highest elevations receive an annual average of 206 inches of snow.
Recreation:
Scenic trails, alpine lakes, the Yuba River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains all support numerous recreation activities, including skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting and backpacking. With a calendar packed with street fairs, festivals, art exhibits, local theater and children’s activities, visitors and locals can experience small-town life without having to forgo indulgence in pleasures more typical of an urban setting.
Arts and Culture:
Nevada County is a creative hotspot in the Sierra Nevada, offering an array of experiences, including concerts, film festivals, street fairs, dance performances, poetry readings, studio tours and galleries. The county also has numerous venues for performing arts, many of which are historic settings. The arts have a large economic impact, which has become a vital component to life in Nevada County.
We strive to be an employer of choice through active engagement with employees, development of programs that both support employees and align with Board of Supervisors' strategy, and the creation of a culture that fosters innovation.
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