Hearings Officer (hourly) - Department of Public Health and Environment

This is an on-call, part-time, hourly role with varied hours. On average, a hearing officer for this role is anticipated to have 6-10 hours of work per month or the equivalent of 1 hearing. This may increase depending on performance, availability, and volume of cases.

About the role

Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) is dedicated to advancing Denver's environmental and public health goals. DDPHE works collaboratively with city, state, and community partners to conduct education, community engagement, and enforcement to promote healthy people, healthy pets, and a sustainable environment. DDPHE oversees services related to public health and the environment and is comprised of seven divisions: Division of Shared Services and Business Operations; Community & Behavioral Health; Public Health Investigations; Denver Animal Protection; the Office of Medical Examiner; Emergency Management and Medical Operations; and Environmental Quality.

We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive.

Responsibilities

• Take evidence and sworn testimony to establish the facts of the case, facilitate direct and cross-examination, rule on motions and objections, and maintain order, decorum, and professionalism during public hearings
• Manage pre-hearing conferences to control the docket, manage the pre-hearing exchange of information between parties, evaluate pre- and post-hearing briefs and objections, consider stipulated evidence or expert witness testimony, manage discovery issues, and rule on preliminary motions
• Meet with municipal officials, appellants or their representatives, and/or members of the community or other parties-in-interest to explain rights and obligations, and to discuss hearing rules and procedures
• Write timely, thoughtful, and well-crafted recommended decisions that completely and properly record the evidence presented at hearing, comply with standard format for decisions, and reflect excellent writing skills
• Perform other duties that may arise

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree or Bachelor of Laws Degree
• Three (3) years of experience as an attorney at law
• Admission by the Supreme Court to practice law in Colorado at the time of application

Qualifications

• Experience as an Administrative Hearing Officer (Career Service Hearings, City Agency Hearings, tax hearings, public health hearings, etc.)
• Knowledge of or experience with enforcement practices and processes
• Familiarity with Denver’s Municipal Code
• Ability to be impartial and neutral
• Sensitivity to diversity of constituencies, ability to be mindful, courteous, and respectful to hearing participants

Pay

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $100.00 per hour.

Schedule

This is a remote-based position. Occasionally, there could be the need to conduct in-person hearings which take place at the Wellington Webb Municipal Building, located at 201 W. Colfax Avenue.

Benefits

• Eligible to enroll in the City and County of Denver’s 457b retirement plan
• This position is not eligible for other additional benefits