Chief Hearings Officer
Apply NowCompany: City of Portland, OR
Location: Portland, OR 97229
Description:
Salary : $142,734.16 - $195,354.35 Annually
Location : 1900 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00427
Bureau: Office of the City Auditor
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
The City Auditor's Office is seeking a fair-minded, experienced administrative hearings professional to lead the Hearings Office: conducting impartial hearings, issuing well-reasoned decisions, and managing division operations. The Chief Hearings Officer acts on behalf of City Council, under the Auditor's independent authority, to conduct quasi-judicial administrative 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.
As an elected official in the City of Portland, the Auditor is independent of City Council and the Mayor 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.
The Chief Hearings Officer reports to the Chief Deputy City Auditor. In addition to hearing cases and preparing written decisions, the Chief Hearings Officer manages a small team. Hearings is staffed by two full-time administrative clerks and two part-time Hearings Officers. The Chief Hearings Officer may assign cases to rotating contracted Hearings Officers when outside assistance is needed to manage caseloads, conflicts, or provide land-use expertise. The Chief Hearings Officer sits on the Auditor's Office management team, contributes to Officewide initiatives, and complies with Officewide expectations and procedures, such as records retention responsibilities.
Responsibilities of the Chief Hearings Officer include:
Successful candidates will have:
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.
To Qualify
Candidates must have at a minimum any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:
Preferred qualifications:
TO APPLY:
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
In your cover letter you should specifically address and demonstrate how your education, training and experience meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
A juris doctor from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Oregon State Bar Five years of progressively responsible experience conducting or participating in quasi-judicial administrative hearings or contested cases Extensive knowledge of City Code and Charter provisions, federal and state laws, court decisions, and other legal requirements relevant to conducting quasi-judicial administrative hearings Knowledge of administrative law, specifically as it relates to the hearings process, rules of evidence, findings of fact, and conclusions of law Ability to render findings and determinations on cases heard, based on neutral consideration of the issues, sound legal reasoning, and good judgment. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; provide clear explanations of complex principles. Management skills necessary to oversee the operations of a small office and supervise staff
(3) Legal writing sample
Submit a legal writing sample suitable for assessing your analytical and writing ability.
The Recruitment Process
Applicants must submit their resume and responses to supplemental questions 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. Please do not include materials not requested.
Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Application period: 4/14/2025 - 5/5/2025
Applications reviewed: 5/6/2025 - 5/9/2025
First interviews: 5/12/2025 - 5/16/2025
Second interviews: 5/19/2025 - 5/23/2025
Job offer: 5/30/2025
Additional Information
Salary range/Pay equity: Per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law, individual salaries are determined based on the experience and education listed in a candidate's resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure an offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
Language pay differential: Auditor's Office employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive additional compensation if they qualify and use their language skills to assist the community.
Employee benefits: The City of Portland is committed to offering medical, dental, vision, basic life, and long-term disability coverage that provides quality care, support and value to eligible employees and their family members. Additional benefits such as flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurance and employee assistance program coverage are available to ensure employees have the appropriate tools to safeguard themselves and their family. The City of Portland participates in PERS, the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System. Find more information on the City of Portland's benefits here:
Civil Service: This position is in the Classified Service and subject to Civil Service provisions. It also is subject to the Human Resources Administrative Rules for the Auditor's Office, City Charter, and Code.
Work status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Work location: The position is based in the 1900 Building at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. The Auditor's Office is currently operating in a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote work, with employees expected to work half-time in-person.
Veteran's preference: If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's Administration letter stating your disability to your profile (if applicable), as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran's Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for. Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
Equal employment opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.
Disability, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s) and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, contact Administrative Specialist Arianna Gazca at
Technical assistance: If you have questions about how to apply or require any assistance in submitting your application, please contact Administrative Specialist Arianna Gazca at
For more information about the Auditor's Office:
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.
01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.
The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.
Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay question with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.
Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
02
Thank you for your interest in the City of Portland. We value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.
Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Legal Writing Sample are an important step to assist us in the review for minimum qualifications for the posted vacancy.
In your Cover Letter, write specific and unique responses to address each of the minimum qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section. The information you provide must correctly reflect your work history/resume. A lack of information in your application materials to each of the minimum qualifications may result in elimination from the recruitment.
Note: Request for veterans' preference, please add a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's Benefit letter. All documents must be uploaded by the closing date and time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
03
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
04
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate:(Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
Required Question
Location : 1900 SW 4th Ave, OR
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00427
Bureau: Office of the City Auditor
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
The City Auditor's Office is seeking a fair-minded, experienced administrative hearings professional to lead the Hearings Office: conducting impartial hearings, issuing well-reasoned decisions, and managing division operations. The Chief Hearings Officer acts on behalf of City Council, under the Auditor's independent authority, to conduct quasi-judicial administrative 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.
As an elected official in the City of Portland, the Auditor is independent of City Council and the Mayor 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.
The Chief Hearings Officer reports to the Chief Deputy City Auditor. In addition to hearing cases and preparing written decisions, the Chief Hearings Officer manages a small team. Hearings is staffed by two full-time administrative clerks and two part-time Hearings Officers. The Chief Hearings Officer may assign cases to rotating contracted Hearings Officers when outside assistance is needed to manage caseloads, conflicts, or provide land-use expertise. The Chief Hearings Officer sits on the Auditor's Office management team, contributes to Officewide initiatives, and complies with Officewide expectations and procedures, such as records retention responsibilities.
Responsibilities of the Chief Hearings Officer include:
- Overseeing Hearings, lead its operations, uphold its independence from the City, and ensure alignment with the Auditor's Office's mission and objectives.
- Conducting quasi-judicial hearings, schedule and regulate proceedings, and ensure fairness and due process for all parties.
- Issuing written decisions, draft and publish legally sound rulings, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards.
- Managing staff and division operations, supervise personnel, provide coaching, and oversee performance evaluations.
- Engaging with stakeholders, respond to inquiries from elected officials, City staff, outside agencies, and the public about hearings.
- Providing public education, train City staff and community members on the hearings process and administrative law.
- Serving as a public representative, act as a media liaison, deliver presentations, and participate in community outreach consistent with the Auditor's Office plans.
Successful candidates will have:
- Extensive 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 rules of evidence and the determination of findings of fact and conclusions of law.
- Knowledge of theory and practice of land use planning and implementation, land development processes, and provisions of local, state, and federal law establishing private rights in real property.
- Knowledge of the purpose, function, and the provisions of the City's Municipal Codes.
- Advanced knowledge of principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
- 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 work collaboratively as part of a team of professionals by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, contributing to shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a respectful, cooperative, and solution-oriented team environment.
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.
To Qualify
Candidates must have at a minimum any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school;
- 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.
Preferred qualifications:
- Two (2) or more years supervisory or program management experience.
TO APPLY:
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
In your cover letter you should specifically address and demonstrate how your education, training and experience meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
(3) Legal writing sample
Submit a legal writing sample suitable for assessing your analytical and writing ability.
The Recruitment Process
Applicants must submit their resume and responses to supplemental questions 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. Please do not include materials not requested.
Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Application period: 4/14/2025 - 5/5/2025
Applications reviewed: 5/6/2025 - 5/9/2025
First interviews: 5/12/2025 - 5/16/2025
Second interviews: 5/19/2025 - 5/23/2025
Job offer: 5/30/2025
Additional Information
Salary range/Pay equity: Per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law, individual salaries are determined based on the experience and education listed in a candidate's resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure an offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
Language pay differential: Auditor's Office employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive additional compensation if they qualify and use their language skills to assist the community.
Employee benefits: The City of Portland is committed to offering medical, dental, vision, basic life, and long-term disability coverage that provides quality care, support and value to eligible employees and their family members. Additional benefits such as flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurance and employee assistance program coverage are available to ensure employees have the appropriate tools to safeguard themselves and their family. The City of Portland participates in PERS, the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System. Find more information on the City of Portland's benefits here:
Civil Service: This position is in the Classified Service and subject to Civil Service provisions. It also is subject to the Human Resources Administrative Rules for the Auditor's Office, City Charter, and Code.
Work status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Work location: The position is based in the 1900 Building at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. The Auditor's Office is currently operating in a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote work, with employees expected to work half-time in-person.
Veteran's preference: If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's Administration letter stating your disability to your profile (if applicable), as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran's Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for. Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
Equal employment opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.
Disability, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s) and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, contact Administrative Specialist Arianna Gazca at
Technical assistance: If you have questions about how to apply or require any assistance in submitting your application, please contact Administrative Specialist Arianna Gazca at
For more information about the Auditor's Office:
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
- Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
- Carrot Fertility
- Wellness Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
- Family Medical Leave
- City Paid Parental Leave
Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.
01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.
The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.
Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay question with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.
Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
- Yes
- No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.
02
Thank you for your interest in the City of Portland. We value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.
Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Legal Writing Sample are an important step to assist us in the review for minimum qualifications for the posted vacancy.
In your Cover Letter, write specific and unique responses to address each of the minimum qualification listed in the "To Qualify" section. The information you provide must correctly reflect your work history/resume. A lack of information in your application materials to each of the minimum qualifications may result in elimination from the recruitment.
Note: Request for veterans' preference, please add a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's Benefit letter. All documents must be uploaded by the closing date and time of this announcement.
Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
- No - If you have a questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.
- Yes
03
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
04
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate:(Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
- My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
- You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.
Required Question