Commissioner, Howard

Position

Commissioner

January 18, 2026

District Court for Howard County, Ellicott City, MD 21043

$67,218

Shift Differential: $3.00/hr for hours worked between 5:00pm-7:00am

Exempt

Full Time / Midnight Shift

Yes

Yes

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans. Maryland Judiciary Benefits (mdcourts.gov)

District Court Commissioners are judicial officers whose primary function includes reviewing Applications for Statement of Charges by the public and police for the filing of criminal charges in the District Court. A Criminal Summons or an Arrest Warrant may be issued based upon a finding of probable cause in the Application for Statement of Charges. A District Court Commissioner performs the following duties but are not limited to: determining probable cause for charges on police on-view arrests of persons and thereafter determining pre‑trial release for those arrested persons and accepting Bail Bond moneys and other forms of surety to secure the release of an incarcerated individual.

When the Circuit and District Courts are closed, District Court Commissioners also serve in the capacity of the consideration of civil petitions for interim Peace Orders and interim Protective Orders. District Court Commissioners are often the first impression of the court for the public and for those having business with the court system in Maryland. According to Courts and Judicial Proceedings 2‑607 [c](3) "There shall be in each county, at all times, one or more commissioners available for the convenience of the public and police in obtaining charging documents, warrants, or criminal summonses and to advise arrested persons of their rights as required by law."

Courts and Judicial Proceedings 2‑607 outlines the scope, title, and duties of the District Court Commissioner.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

District Court Commissioner must reside in the county, or a contiguous county where employed (a Contiguous County is any Maryland County that is connected by land but includes roads and/or bridges). Baltimore City residents are only eligible for consideration with Baltimore City District Court.

To view the contiguous county listing visit: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

District Court commissioners are judicial officers bound by the Code of Ethics for Judicial Appointees and cannot be politically slanted, run for office or endorse a candidate. Commissioners may be restricted from outside employment and/or volunteer activities. To view the Code of Ethics for Judicial Appointees visit: /chapter
200

Upon hire, District Court commissioners are CPR certified and must renew their certification every 24 months.

Upon hire, District Court Commissioner must maintain NCIC CN5 certification to be able to conduct Criminal Record Checks on arrested persons; this certification must be renewed every 24 months.

Work is performed in locations including but not limited to District Court buildings, police stations or Central Booking facilities. Employees may be exposed to individuals who are hostile, emotionally charged and/or unhealthy or wounded.

Commissioners are assigned to day, evening, night, weekend and/or holiday shifts and are subject to call‑in during emergencies and staffing shortages. The Office of the District Court Commissioner does not close during inclement weather, times of emergency, or when other state agencies and offices are closed. Commissioners must be flexible to work shift work and at various locations. A Commissioner must be available for service 24/7 and are essential personnel.

A Commissioner must have demonstrated experience using a personal computer and the ability to type efficiently.…