Rural Crimes Prosecutor
Office: Office of Special Prosecutions
Location: Anchorage
Job Description
The Office of Special Prosecutions is seeking a Rural Crimes Prosecutor. This position is located in Anchorage but will prosecute serious criminal cases that occur throughout rural Alaska. This role provides statewide support to rural District Attorney Offices, assisting when staff shortages occur or when offices require support with high‑profile or complex criminal cases.
This prosecutor will work closely with local law enforcement agencies and Alaska State Troopers. Key responsibilities include providing guidance, training, and mentorship to newer attorneys; conducting trainings for law enforcement officers; and contributing to special projects as needed. Additional duties may include supervisory responsibilities, reviewing officer‑involved shootings, and handling other cases around the state as needed. This position offers frequent opportunities to regularly work with and mentor less experienced attorneys.
Successful applicants will have a strong understanding of Alaska’s criminal justice system and laws, have extensive trial experience, and a demonstrated history of handling complex criminal prosecutions.
This role requires regular travel throughout Alaska, including for trials that may last for several weeks. This position is unique, in that it offers the opportunity to spend meaningful time in rural, off-road system communities while maintaining Anchorage as a home base. The prosecutor will work closely with other District Attorney Offices in the state and will have the opportunity to visit and serve numerous communities around the state.
Contact
If you would like more information about this position, you may contact Chief Assistant Attorney General Jenna Gruenstein or the current Rural Crimes Prosecutor, Sam Vandergaw, at 907-269-6250.
Benefits & Compensation
State Benefits Package
- Health benefits (including dental and vision), life insurance and voluntary supplemental benefits
- Generous leave accrual, starting at 21 days a year
- 12 paid holidays
- A variety of retirement plans
- Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
- 37.5-hour workweek
- Eligibility for part-time teleworking, alternate workweek, or a flex schedule after an initial training period.
Estimated Compensation
The table below gives an estimate of compensation based on a combination of judicial clerking and licensed legal experience. The compensation listed in the table represents the base pay. Several locations around Alaska have geographical pay differences. Upon a job offer, you would receive a firm salary quote based on location of position and qualifying experience. Attorneys are eligible to promote from Attorney 1 through 4 with service and acceptable job performance.
| Attorney level | Experience level | Pay range and step | Base pay* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney 1 | Unlicensed attorney | 18 D or E | $92,137.50 or $95,023.50 |
| Attorney 2 | Less than two years of licensed experience | 20 C or D | $101,712.00 or $105,417.00 |
| Attorney 3 | More than 2 but less than 4 years of licensed experience | 22 B or C | $112,632.00 or $116,083.50 |
| Attorney 4 | More than 4 years | 24 B through F | $128,622.00 – $147,322.50 |
*Summary of Geographical Pay Rate Differences.
| Location | Base pay + geographical difference |
|---|---|
| Anchorage, Kenai, Palmer, Ketchikan | Base pay / no geo dif |
| Fairbanks | Base pay + 3% |
| Juneau, Sitka | Base pay + 5% |
| Kodiak | Base pay + 11% |
| Nome, Dillingham | Base pay + 37% |
| Bethel, Utqiagvik | Base pay + 50% |
| Kotzebue | Base pay + 60% |
Application Instructions
Candidates must submit:
- A resume that includes a complete history of education and professional work experience.
- At least three professional employment references to include their title, email address, and daytime phone number.
- One must be a current or former supervisor.
- Only include those that can speak about your professional skills and performance.
- A professional writing sample.
- A cover letter which includes the position of interest.
Preferably applications may be submitted electronically to:
CriminalLawRecruit@alaska.gov
or via hard copy to:
Department of Law
Criminal Division Central Office
P.O. Box 110300
Juneau, AK 99811-0300
The Department of Law is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodation to apply may contact the Relay Alaska at (800) 770-8973 or Criminal Division Central Office at (907) 465-3600.
All interested and qualified applicants will be considered, but not every applicant will be interviewed. A preference will be given to applicants with the ability to fluently speak another language that is commonly used in the geographic locations related to this position.
