The Idaho Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is seeking a full-time Administrative Law Judge to conduct hearings and issue-related decisions and perform related work.
This position is in-person at OAH’s central office in downtown Boise with some work-related travel, including travel throughout the state of Idaho. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, although as a legal position, occasional night and weekend work may be required to fully discharge duties and meet deadlines. This position has a negotiable start date but must start no later than August 31, 2026.
Salary
$50.48 per hour/~$105,000 annually
Closing Date
July 10, 2026. Please note that hiring managers are continuously considering applications for this position. This job announcement will be closed if the position is filled prior to the closing date.
How to apply:
Please provide the three (3) following documents to be considered for the position:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Writing Sample
These may be emailed to general@oah.idaho.gov.
Example of Duties
- Extensive study of contested administrative cases
- Establishing guidelines and explaining legal standards at hearing
- Eliciting testimony and argument
- Ruling on admissibility of evidence, requests for continuance, dismissals, objections and postponements
- Analysis of documents, testimony, relevant evidence, regulations, law and precedent decisions
- Preparation of a written decision and rationale supporting that decision.
- Provide technical expertise on hearing procedures
- Facilitate resolution of contested case proceedings as an appointed mediator
- Facilitate presentations to agency and employer groups, lawyers, and the public on a specific area or areas of law
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to meet the requirements listed in Section 67-5283, Idaho Code, within the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act, to include:
- A citizen of the United States, and at least 30 years of age;
- Have held a license to practice law or held a judicial office in one (1) or more United States jurisdictions for five (5) or more continuous years immediately preceding appointment.
- Be or become an active member of the Idaho state bar within one (1) year of appointment and remain an active member in good standing thereafter.
Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of administrative law;
- Rules of administrative procedure, civil procedure, and evidence;
- Alternative Dispute Resolution methods (e.g., arbitration and mediation)
Experience:
- Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and agency guidance;
- Conducting legal research;
- Questioning individuals to elicit facts;
- Analyzing and evaluating facts, testimony, documents and records, and drawing conclusions;
- Preparing legal memoranda and filings.
Preferred Experience:
- Supervisory experience of other employees
Supplemental Information:
- The ALJ may be required to schedule and conduct hearings statewide, with statewide travel required from time-to-time for in-person proceedings;
- Within one year of appointment, the ALJ will be required to successfully complete agency-funded training, some of which require travel, to include a 2-week judicial training program at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada (typically held in August), as well as other training for alternative dispute resolution.
- This position is exempt from classified state service and the Rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
- The ALJ must comply at all times with OAH’s Code of Conduct and other guidance documents.
The Office of Administrative Hearings serves the citizens, businesses, and state agencies of Idaho by providing independent, efficient, and unbiased hearings of contested administrative cases, and facilitates the opportunity for parties to resolve their disputes through alternative dispute resolution.
BENEFITS:
This benefited position enjoys:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision health plans
- Nationally recognized PERSI retirement benefits
- Paid sick and vacation leave accrual upon hire
- Parental leave
- 11 paid holidays annually
- A healthy work-life balance
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs visit: https://employee.idaho.gov/state-of-idaho-employee-benefits/
EEO/ADA/VETERAN:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.