County of Monterey
Chief Assistant Public Defender (Promotional Only)
County of Monterey, Salinas, California, United States, 93911
Overview
Final Filing Deadline:
Sunday, January 11, 2026 Exam:
P26/12A06/01JL
Chief Assistant Public Defender
(Promotional Only)
This is a Promotional Only recruitment; open only to current regular County of Monterey employees and former employees whose names currently appear on an active Recall List.
The County of Monterey’s Office of the Public Defender is dedicated to ensuring that the constitutional right to counsel is provided to all regardless of charge, circumstance, or public passion. The Office has 62 full-time positions and is supported by an annual budget of approximately $20.5 million.
Responsibilities
Assist the Public Defender with the administration of the Office by developing organization plans and procedures and effects changes; acts for and makes interim policy and procedural decisions in the absence of the Public Defender.
Plan, direct and manage administrative support activities in such areas as budget development, financial administration and reporting, purchasing, contract administration, management analysis, personnel, payroll administration, automation and program evaluation.
Plan, organize, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff; recommend selection of staff; train staff in work procedures and provide for their professional development; recommend and/or administers discipline as required.
Consult with Public Defender on overall department budget; direct and participate in the development of the department's budget, including multiple programmatic or functional budgets.
Advise attorneys in appellate matters and approve the taking of appeals to appropriate Courts.
Consult with lead attorneys and supervising attorneys on Court coverage and legal questions and on conflict of interest and other specific case related issues. Consult with the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defenders on various policy and administrative issues.
Act as a liaison with other criminal justice agencies and/or public organizations, various County departments, and funding agencies; assist in community outreach.
Conduct complex jury trials and special tasks delegated by the Public Defender; make Court appearances.
Respond to and resolve public complaints and questions regarding services provided; advise the general public and law enforcement personnel on criminal matters.
Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications and Abilities The Successful Candidate
will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Thorough Knowledge of the duties, powers, responsibilities, limitations and the authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Advanced principles and applications of civil and criminal law, trial procedure and techniques, conduct of court proceedings, rules of evidence, legal research methods and judicial procedures.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Standard legal office practices and procedures.
Management of a law office.
Operational policies and procedures of other justice departments.
Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicities and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile.
The handling of capital cases.
Basic issues and laws relating to personnel management.
Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Principles and practices of office management.
Working Knowledge
Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the position.
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
Skill and Ability to
Interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to new and difficult legal problems.
Plan, organize and direct the operation of the assigned unit in the Public Defender’s Office.
Develop and implement policies, systems and procedures to improve operations of divisions/units in the Public Defender’s Office.
Analyze complex legal problems, apply appropriate legal principles and practices and take effective course of action.
Communicate logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, Judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments, including community groups and associations.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in written format to present statements of fact, points of law and argument concisely and logically.
Plan, assign, monitor, supervise, guide, counsel and evaluate attorneys in complex areas of law.
Act as a resource and provide guidance to staff within assigned unit.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Provide excellent public relations and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.
Experience and Employment Conditions Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience : Seven (7) years of broad and progressively responsible experience in prosecuting or defending criminal or civil cases with at least two (2) of those years being in the management and administration of one or more divisions/units within a law firm which included direct supervision of assigned staff.
Conditions of Employment
Possess current, valid membership in the California State Bar pursuant to Section 6060 of the Business and Professions Code.
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
Successfully complete and pass a background check to include fingerprinting.
Benefits The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please view the Y Unit (Safety & Non-Safety Executive Management) Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
Notes
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures Apply On-Line at the Monterey County government jobs site. This will be followed by the January 11, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM (PST).
Or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Jovany Luna, Supervising HR Analyst
Attn: Human Resources
168 West Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 755-5395 | Email: LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. Examinations may include oral examinations, pre-examination exercises, performance examinations, and/or written examinations. The process includes submittal of required materials. A complete package will include:
A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
and
Responses to the Supplemental Questions .
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as substitutes for required application materials. All required materials will be competitively evaluated. Those determined to be most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Equal Opportunity EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The County of Monterey is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can contribute in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jovany Luna, Supervising HR Analyst, at LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov or (831) 755-5395.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sunday, January 11, 2026 Exam:
P26/12A06/01JL
Chief Assistant Public Defender
(Promotional Only)
This is a Promotional Only recruitment; open only to current regular County of Monterey employees and former employees whose names currently appear on an active Recall List.
The County of Monterey’s Office of the Public Defender is dedicated to ensuring that the constitutional right to counsel is provided to all regardless of charge, circumstance, or public passion. The Office has 62 full-time positions and is supported by an annual budget of approximately $20.5 million.
Responsibilities
Assist the Public Defender with the administration of the Office by developing organization plans and procedures and effects changes; acts for and makes interim policy and procedural decisions in the absence of the Public Defender.
Plan, direct and manage administrative support activities in such areas as budget development, financial administration and reporting, purchasing, contract administration, management analysis, personnel, payroll administration, automation and program evaluation.
Plan, organize, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff; recommend selection of staff; train staff in work procedures and provide for their professional development; recommend and/or administers discipline as required.
Consult with Public Defender on overall department budget; direct and participate in the development of the department's budget, including multiple programmatic or functional budgets.
Advise attorneys in appellate matters and approve the taking of appeals to appropriate Courts.
Consult with lead attorneys and supervising attorneys on Court coverage and legal questions and on conflict of interest and other specific case related issues. Consult with the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defenders on various policy and administrative issues.
Act as a liaison with other criminal justice agencies and/or public organizations, various County departments, and funding agencies; assist in community outreach.
Conduct complex jury trials and special tasks delegated by the Public Defender; make Court appearances.
Respond to and resolve public complaints and questions regarding services provided; advise the general public and law enforcement personnel on criminal matters.
Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications and Abilities The Successful Candidate
will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Thorough Knowledge of the duties, powers, responsibilities, limitations and the authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Advanced principles and applications of civil and criminal law, trial procedure and techniques, conduct of court proceedings, rules of evidence, legal research methods and judicial procedures.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Standard legal office practices and procedures.
Management of a law office.
Operational policies and procedures of other justice departments.
Techniques for dealing with individuals of varying races, genders, ethnicities and ages, some of whom may have physical or emotional problems and who appear to be difficult, confused or hostile.
The handling of capital cases.
Basic issues and laws relating to personnel management.
Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Principles and practices of office management.
Working Knowledge
Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the position.
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
Skill and Ability to
Interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to new and difficult legal problems.
Plan, organize and direct the operation of the assigned unit in the Public Defender’s Office.
Develop and implement policies, systems and procedures to improve operations of divisions/units in the Public Defender’s Office.
Analyze complex legal problems, apply appropriate legal principles and practices and take effective course of action.
Communicate logically and effectively with a diverse group of clients, witnesses, Judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments, including community groups and associations.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in written format to present statements of fact, points of law and argument concisely and logically.
Plan, assign, monitor, supervise, guide, counsel and evaluate attorneys in complex areas of law.
Act as a resource and provide guidance to staff within assigned unit.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Provide excellent public relations and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.
Experience and Employment Conditions Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Experience : Seven (7) years of broad and progressively responsible experience in prosecuting or defending criminal or civil cases with at least two (2) of those years being in the management and administration of one or more divisions/units within a law firm which included direct supervision of assigned staff.
Conditions of Employment
Possess current, valid membership in the California State Bar pursuant to Section 6060 of the Business and Professions Code.
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
Successfully complete and pass a background check to include fingerprinting.
Benefits The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please view the Y Unit (Safety & Non-Safety Executive Management) Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
Notes
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures Apply On-Line at the Monterey County government jobs site. This will be followed by the January 11, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM (PST).
Or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Jovany Luna, Supervising HR Analyst
Attn: Human Resources
168 West Alisal Street, 3rd Floor
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: (831) 755-5395 | Email: LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. Examinations may include oral examinations, pre-examination exercises, performance examinations, and/or written examinations. The process includes submittal of required materials. A complete package will include:
A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
and
Responses to the Supplemental Questions .
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as substitutes for required application materials. All required materials will be competitively evaluated. Those determined to be most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Equal Opportunity EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The County of Monterey is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can contribute in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Jovany Luna, Supervising HR Analyst, at LunaCorreaJ@countyofmonterey.gov or (831) 755-5395.
#J-18808-Ljbffr