Salary: $123,489.60 - $179,067.20 Annually
Location : Elko
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: DISTRICT COURT I
Opening Date: 07/20/2026

Job Description

Serves as a Hearing Master for the 4th Judicial District Court presiding over a variety of juvenile and family law related cases.
This position serves as a Hearing Master for the 4th Judicial District Court presiding over a specialized caseload of juvenile and family law related cases. The candidate must be fully competent in Nevada juvenile and family law and able to independently perform a variety of judicial and related legal functions. Strong administrative abilities are required to manage and operate a busy and demanding court. Emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines is required.
Receives supervision from the District Judge assigned to preside over the juvenile division of the District Court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions:

• Presides as a quasi-judicial officer over a busy caseload of juvenile and family law related cases, including, but not limited to juvenile delinquency, child dependency (432B), child support, custody and visitation disputes, discovery, guardianship, specialty courts for Juvenile Drug Court and Family Preservation Court, Juvenile Adverse Party Temporary Protection Orders, Juvenile Traffic Court and other duties as assigned.
• Oversees the presentation of evidence in the courtroom; consider evidence and rules upon its admissibility; hears arguments; makes findings of fact, conclusions of law and make recommendations to the supervising District Court Judge in a timely manner following court hearings, in accordance with applicable law, for review and approval by the District Court.
• Serves as the presiding judicial officer and administrator of the Juvenile Drug Court and Family Preservation Court for the District Court. Interfaces with interdisciplinary teams to staff participants in each program and presides during drug court sessions.
• Reviews applications for Orders for Protection submitted by members of the public for an expeditious decision on their issuance or denial and supervises the preparation of appropriate pleadings consistent therewith by court staff.
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of current law in the area of juvenile and family law practice through study and attendance at applicable conferences, seminars and related legal education avenues.
• Ensures that the courtroom, court hearings and other related functions are handled in a professional way befitting the decorum, formality and appropriate processes befitting the District Court.
• Represents the District Court with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff, attorneys and the public.
• Ensures that an accurate and dependable record of court proceedings is created by the District Court through the proper preparation of court minutes and operation of the Owl video recording system by court staff.
• Maintains a cordial and appropriate working relationship with the Juvenile Probation Department and Juvenile Detention Department and coordinate services and budgets.
• Work closely with the Division of Child and Family Services and State and County Child Support staff.
• Conducts detention hearings for juveniles in protective custody within established statutory time frames and in accordance with applicable law (either in person, by video conference or telephone conference).
• Efficiently and promptly processes warrants and writs of attachment issued by the Court.
• Oversee the issuance of subpoenas, as necessary, by the Juvenile and Family Court.
• Oversee and develop the Court Improvement Counsel for the local District Court and represents the District at the yearly Court Improvement Summit.
• Provide regular status updates to the District Court, and addresses concerns and issues when needed.
• Work and communicate effectively with District Court support staff, bailiffs, and other judicial personnel.
• Ensures the completion and submission of various statistical reports required by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the State of Nevada, Elko County or other related agency.
• Tracks time spent by the Court Master in the completion of IV-D related tasks (child support) for the proper submission of requests for reimbursement to the State of Nevada. Ensures that other staff members are appropriately accounting for IV-D related work time. Submits reports to the State of Nevada documenting and detailing IV-D related functions.
• Prepares budget requests, in consultation with the District Judges, as appropriate, for submission to Elko County and the state child support office
• Interfaces with other county departments to resolve issues and concerns that may arise in the function of the department.
• Purchase supplies, inventory and other necessary equipment necessary to perform the functions of the office, within established budgetary guidelines.
• Is responsible for the appropriate use and control of a county credit card.
• Maintains personnel files of court staff under the direction and supervision of the Court Master.
• Maintains a professional judicial appearance and conducts his or herself in a manner consistent the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct.
• Reviews applications for the appointment of counsel in 432B cases, making a determination regarding indigency according to applicable legal standards, and appoints counsel as appropriate.
• Maintains and updates a list of attorneys willing to accept appointed juvenile delinquency and dependency cases.
• Reviews and approves requests for payment submitted by attorneys on court appointed cases.
• Interfaces with members of the public, the local bar and area civic and political leaders to educate said persons on the functions and processes of the Family Court.
• Trains court staff on appropriate procedures, the proper preparation of court pleadings and other legal and judicial functions.
• Maintains a working knowledge of appropriate computer applications, including, Microsoft Office application, Word Perfect, Spillman, Tyler Technologies and other related computer applications.
• Ensures that NRS and County Code books and reference materials are updated regularly.
• Complies with 4th Judicial District Court policies and department procedures.
• Listens carefully and effectively to direction provided by the District Court Judges, responds appropriately.
• Keeps supervisor informed of work status and pertinent issues.
• Willing to assume responsibility and be innovative to new legal trends and developments.
• Communicates tactfully and skillfully with subordinate employees, litigants and the general public.
• Performs professionally and efficiently under pressure.
• Willing to accept new and different assignments, if assigned by the District Court.
• Maintains confidences and the confidentiality of other information, as required.
• Court Master assists in the drafting and reviewing of proposed legislation; researches implications of such legislation and makes recommendations as required.
• Court Master makes presentations to professional, educational and community groups regarding his or her assigned functions; confers with representatives of other County departments to coordinate and facilitate the work performed.
• Court Master administers settlement and mediation programs as assigned; conducts settlement conferences when requested.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate Degree from ABA accredited Law School
• Must possess a Nevada Bar license, have a thorough knowledge and understanding of Nevada juvenile and family law and have been licensed to practice law for a preferred period of at least (7) seven years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Nevada Juvenile and Family Law.
• Rules of evidence, court procedure and other court practices.

• Drug Court trends, including strategies to ensure compliance with drug testing, compliance monitoring and other related issues.

Skills & Abilities:

• Time and schedule management.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable local laws; performing technical, detailed legal research.
• Presenting findings of fact and law clearly.
• Preparing clear and concise written product.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within scope of authority.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in dealing with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Use a personal computer for word processing and other clerical duties.
• Type with speed and accuracy.
• Interface with difficult and emotional litigants with courtesy and professionalism.
• Complete pleadings correctly, and accurately.
• Prepare clear, concise, and grammatically correct correspondence, and memos.
• Read and understand printed materials, including incoming correspondence, manuals, letters, and forms.
• Maintain work effectiveness under the demands of a busy and demanding court schedule.
• Consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage several tasks and personalities at one time.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is performed in an office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Elko County offers a complete benefits package for all regular, full-time employees including a minimal fee for health care, dental and vision, flex spending accounts, and life insurance,100% County paid PERS retirement (Public Employee Retirement System), and deferred compensation plans. We offer 13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Family Medical Leave, Military Leave, Educational Assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program, in addition to no state income tax.