Part-Time Hearings Officer

City of Portland Office of the Auditor

We are seeking applicants for a Part-Time Hearings Officer.

Salary: $68,584.59 to $84,355.60

Opening Date: 2/23/2026

Closing Date: 3/9/2026

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.

• Conduct hearings.
• Recommend updates to policy, standard operating procedures, and City Code.
• Conduct outreach to stakeholders, as assigned by the CHO.
• Assist in implementation of the Hearings Office’s equity goals.
• Support training for new staff and provide additional Hearings Officer coverage when the CHO or other Hearings Officer is unavailable or on leave.
• Research and other special projects.
• Exercise sound judgment and tact in dealing with the public.
• Communicate orally and in writing to stakeholders.

• 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.

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 City’s hearing process (for example, as an administrative law judge or otherwise).

Submit three documents:

1. A resume – list professional and relevant volunteer experience; education and training; and the time periods for each. If you speak more than one language or have specialized skills, please list them.

2.
Cover letter – specifically address and demonstrate how your education, training, and experience meet the qualifications listed.

3.
Legal writing sample – submit a legal writing sample suitable for assessing your analytical and writing ability.

Applicants must submit their application materials through the City of Portland’s online application system no later than 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. Emailed, mailed, or faxed applications will not be accepted. Your application materials should not exceed a total of five pages. Please do not include materials not requested.

Recruitment Timeline

Applications reviewed: 3/10/2026 – 3/16/2026

First interviews: 3/23/2026 – 4/3/2026

Second interviews: 4/6/2026 – 4/17/2026

Job offer: 4/20/2026

Visit our external application system for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer

For more information about the Auditor’s Office: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

For more information about the Hearings Office: /hearings