Part-Time Hearings Officer

City of Portland Office of the Auditor is seeking applicants for a Part-Time Hearings Officer.

The City Auditor’s Office is seeking a fair-minded, experienced administrative hearings professional to conduct quasi‑judicial hearings and render impartial decisions related to code enforcement, land use, vehicle tows, appeals, and other types of cases. Hearings is a division of the City Auditor’s Office, which provides administrative support and a neutral base from which to make its decisions, which are subject to appellate review.

This position is an appointment for a Hearings Officer to work up to 20 hours per week.

As an elected official in the City of Portland, the Auditor is independent of City Council and accountable only to the public. The Auditor’s Office ensures open and accountable government by providing impartial reviews and investigations, access to public information, and services to City government and the public. It employs nearly 50 people across seven divisions.

This position reports directly to the Chief Hearings Officer (CHO). The Hearings Officer is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Chief Hearings Officer’s long‑term vision, mission, and strategy. The Hearings Officer conducts hearings across all the different case types and issues written decisions in these cases. The Hearings Officer is also responsible for assisting in the implementation of the department’s equity goals.

In addition, the Hearings Officer will assist in the CHO’s outreach strategies. This position will also support training for new staff and will provide additional Hearings Officer coverage for the office when the CHO or other Hearings Officer is unavailable or on leave.

Responsibilities of the Hearings Officer include:

• Conducting hearings
• Writing decisions
• Recommending updates to policy, standard operating procedures, and City Code
• Conducting outreach to stakeholders, as assigned by the CHO
• Assisting in implementation of the Hearings Office’s equity goals
• Supporting training for new staff and providing additional Hearings Officer coverage when the CHO or other Hearings Officer is unavailable or on leave
• Research and other special projects
• Exercising sound judgment and tact in dealing with the public
• Communicating orally and in writing to stakeholders.

Successful candidates will have:

• Knowledge of City Code and Charter provisions, federal, state, and local laws, court decisions, and other legal requirements relevant to conducting quasi‑judicial administrative hearings, including findings of fact and conclusions of law
• Ability to conduct quasi‑judicial administrative hearings in a highly professional manner
• Ability to review and comprehend legal documents, follow complex oral and written arguments, and identify key issues
• Ability to render findings and determinations on cases heard based on neutral consideration of the issues, sound legal reasoning, and good judgment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers and staff, elected officials, representatives of other government agencies, and others; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and patience; gain cooperation through discussion and collaboration
• Ability to facilitate inclusive participation of communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision‑making; communicate cross‑culturally
• Ability to work in a diverse environment and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex services

The Auditor’s Office values a diverse workforce and a culture of equity and inclusion in delivering public services and everyday interactions in the workplace. The Office encourages candidates with experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities to apply.

Candidates must have at a minimum any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and be an active attorney with membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience conducting, or assisting with conducting, administrative hearings or other contested cases or adjudicating matters in areas applicable to the…