Magistrate I

Magistrate I

Salary

$21.78 - $34.84 Hourly

Location

126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

010-26-01

Department

Judicial

Opening Date

07/15/2026

Closing Date

7/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position performs a variety of judicial duties as a Certified Municipal Court Magistrate.

Major Duties

• Hears complaints from citizens and charges brought by law enforcement officials and determines probable cause; determines if charges brought are proper; determines proper charge(s); takes complainants sworn affidavits; drafts and issues warrants; records and processes warrants.
• Enters court records data from source documents; enters tickets, complaints, and arrests to create court cases.
• Assists in the courtroom, including calling the docket, recording case adjudication, assists the Judge, continue cases, and preparing paperwork.
• Balances cash drawer daily; prints and reconciles transaction record; makes daily deposits; balances cash bond account and daily journal.
• Prepares dockets and applicable documents for court.
• Writes commitment orders and computes jail time; writes release orders.
• Responds to after-hours calls when on-call.
• Processes trials to include issuing subpoenas to witnesses and acquiring all required documentation.
• Issues warrants for failure to appear.
• Calculates and accepts fine and court payments; processes cash bond payments; issues receipts.
• Prepares daily docket of inmates.
• Researches case law and statutes to ensure proper charges are applied.
• Reviews and processes incoming correspondence for the Judge's attention; reviews and processes a variety of incoming and outgoing files, forms, and records.
• Prepares legal and non-legal court documents and forms.
• Conducts Conditions of Release hearings with defendants arrested for domestic violence offences.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of Municipal Court policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Knowledge of the Code of Alabama.
• Knowledge of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinances.
• Knowledge of legal forms, documents, and terminology.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Municipal Court Administrator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Dothan Code of Ordinances, the Code of Alabama, and Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related Magistrate duties. Strict deadlines and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide support for the operations of the Municipal Court. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, judges, attorneys, other court personnel, defendants, victims, witnesses, and members of the public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, justify matters, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects and climbs ladders.
• The work is typically performed in an office and courtroom.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited* college or university with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field; and
• Three (3) years recent experience with the City of Dothan as a Judicial File Clerk.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited* college or university with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field; and
• Three (3) years recent experience performing administrative work in a legal judicial environment with heavy public contact to include accounting and cash handling duties.
• Possession of a current and valid Court Clerk/Magistrate Certification from the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts preferred.
• An accredited agency is recognized by the U.S Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER:

Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s). [See condition(s) for details.]

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA09/10/01)
• Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain a Court Clerk/Magistrate Certification from the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts within twenty-four (24) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
• May require the employee be bondable and qualify as a public Notary.
• In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/ demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothans employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department on or before the closing date.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"

05

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a Judicial File Clerk with the City of Dothan?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

06

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

07

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in performing administrative work in a legal judicial environment with heavy public contact to include accounting and cash handling duties?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

08

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #7. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

09

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #7. Provide examples for each task (public contact, accounting, and cash handling). Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

10

Which best describes your work experience with the State of Alabama Unified Judicial System?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

11

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #10. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

12

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #10. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

13

Which best describes your work experience with Code of Alabama?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

14

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #13. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

15

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #13. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

16

Which best describes your work experience with Municipal Code of Ordinances?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

17

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #16. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

18

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #16. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

19

Which best describes your work experience as a Magistrate?

• No experience
• 0 - 0.9 year
• 1 - 2.9 years
• 3 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

20

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #19. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

21

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #19. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

22

Do you possess a current and valid Court Clerk/Magistrate Certification from the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts certification?

In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes
• No

23

The position must be able to work awkward shifts and be on call. Are you willing and able to work awkward shifts and be on call?

• Yes
• No

24

Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No

25

This position requires you be bonded and serve as a public notary. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

26

In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

27

This position requires you to obtain/maintain a Court Clerk/Magistrate Certification from the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts twenty-four (24) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to obtain and maintain this certification?

• Yes
• No

28

This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer Forms for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama. Click here to view form. Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree

29

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

30

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.

• Yes, I Understand

31

Personnel Use Only

Required Question

Employer City of Dothan

Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street

Room 116

Dothan, Alabama, 36303

Phone 334.615.3180

Website http://www.dothan.org