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Judge Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

PACIFIC AG RENTALS LLC

Account Manager

Merced, CA

Uses independent judgment to oversee all aspects of sales and customer service within a defined territory. Ensures excellent customer service through the timely and accurate delivery of services ...

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Judge information

See Merced, CA salary details

$5

$31

$83

How much do judge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for judge in Merced, CA is $31.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.40 and $34.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a judge?

Judges are legal professionals who preside over court proceedings, interpret and apply the law, and ensure that trials and hearings are conducted fairly. Their responsibilities include making rulings on legal matters, instructing juries, and sometimes determining the outcome of cases. Judges may work in various courts, such as criminal, civil, family, or appellate courts, depending on their area of expertise and jurisdiction. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining justice within the legal system.

What does a judge do?

As a judge, you can work in the state, local, or federal courts. In the courtroom, your responsibilities include overseeing the proceedings, managing the legal process, enforcing the rules of the court, ensuring that evidence is relevant to the proceedings, determining if lawyers’ requests during trials or hearings are viable, and helping to prevent jury tampering during a case. Outside the courtroom, your duties often involve performing research to help you make sound decisions in court. You evaluate and read the evidence, records, testimony, and motions that are relevant to the cases that you are presiding over.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a judge, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Judge, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, extensive legal experience, and a deep understanding of the law and judicial procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, impartiality, and strong communication skills set exceptional judges apart. These competencies ensure fair, efficient, and well-reasoned judicial decisions that uphold the integrity of the legal system.

What are some common challenges judges face in managing their courtroom and caseload?

Judges often face the challenge of balancing a high volume of cases while ensuring each receives thorough and fair consideration. Managing courtroom proceedings efficiently requires strong organizational skills, decisiveness, and the ability to handle unexpected developments, such as last-minute evidence or uncooperative parties. Additionally, judges must maintain impartiality and control over the courtroom atmosphere, even in emotionally charged or complex cases. Effective communication with attorneys, clerks, and other court staff is also essential to keep proceedings on track.

What is the difference between Judge vs Magistrate?

AspectJudgeMagistrate
CredentialsLegal degree, bar admission, judicial appointmentLegal degree, bar admission, often appointed or elected
Work EnvironmentCourts of general jurisdiction, handling serious civil/criminal casesLower courts, handling minor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, and misdemeanors
Industry UsageUsed across federal, state, and local courtsPrimarily in local and lower courts
Common Search/ComparisonJudgeMagistrate

Judges and magistrates both preside over court proceedings, but judges typically handle more complex and serious cases in higher courts, requiring extensive experience and credentials. Magistrates usually work in lower courts, managing preliminary matters and minor offenses. While both roles require legal qualifications, judges often have broader authority and responsibilities within the judicial system.

Can I be a judge without a degree?

Becoming a judge typically requires a law degree and extensive legal experience, as judges are usually licensed attorneys. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most courts mandate a law degree and passing the bar exam before appointment or election to the bench.

Is it hard to get a job as a judge?

Securing a job as a judge is highly competitive and requires extensive legal experience, typically including many years as a practicing attorney or legal professional. Candidates often need to be appointed or elected, and must demonstrate strong legal knowledge, integrity, and often political support or community recognition.

What are related careers to a judge?

Related careers to a judge include magistrates, magistrate judges, legal analysts, and court administrators. These roles often require a background in law, strong decision-making skills, and knowledge of legal procedures. Many of these positions involve working within the judicial or legal system and may require relevant certifications or experience.

Which degree is best for a judge?

A judge typically needs a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After earning the degree, candidates must pass the state bar exam and gain legal experience before being appointed or elected to a judgeship. Strong knowledge of law, analytical skills, and courtroom experience are essential for the role.
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Infographic showing various Judge job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,417 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Principal Plan Check Engineer (FT - Hybrid)

CSG Consultants, Inc.

Newman, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Plan Check Engineer position is responsible for the technical review of construction documents related to residential, multi-family, and commercial construction. Review drawings, calculations, soils reports and other documents for conformance with the requirements of the California Building Standards Codes and Reference Standards.  Uses engineering judgment to assess the adequacy of a design to address life-safety review, structural review, or other aspects of the code.  This position has a thorough knowledge of construction inspection and plan review protocols, policies, and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Strong understanding of California Building Standards Codes and Referenced Standards. 
  • Responsible for the technical review of construction documents related to residential, multi-family, and commercial construction.
  • Review drawings, calculations, soils reports and other documents for conformance with the requirements of the California Building Standards Codes and Reference Standards.  
  • Uses engineering judgment to assess the adequacy of a design to address life-safety review, structural review, or other aspects of the code. 
  • Have a thorough knowledge of construction inspection and plan review protocols, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, construction diagrams, electronic plans, and specifications of projects and evaluate them for compliance with California Building Standards Codes, Reference Standards, and other governing Codes and ordinances.   
  • Understand design discipline coordination, plan development and writing effective plan check correction notices. 
  • Exhibit sound judgment reading and interpreting code requirements. 
  • Ability to suggest alternate forms of compliance with codes & ordinances. 
  • Supervise Plan Check Engineers.
  • Prepare and present effective oral and written reports. 
  • Develop a working understanding of electronic plan check submittals, review, and various software systems and other applicable management tools. 
  • Maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, civic organizations, architects, contractors, engineers, and the public. 
  • Represent the department at internal and external meetings and exhibit sound judgment while representing CSG and its clients.  
  • Stay current on legal and technical developments pertaining to building construction and codes.
  • Function independently as an expert in matters of specialized code, rules, and policy. 
  • Work towards obtaining and maintaining additional ICC Certifications as related to duties of the position.
  • Work under the general direction of the supervisor who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work.
  • Perform other related duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5-10 years reviewing plans for conformance to the California Building Standards Codes and Referenced Standards.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.  
  • Possession of a current PE California License is required. 
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering as applied to building design and construction. 
  • International Code Council (ICC) Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification, or additional applicable ICC Certifications, or CASp Certification, as required for this role.
  • Competency in, and effective use of computer systems such as: Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam & Bluebeam Studios, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. to perform job responsibilities.
  • Ability to assume responsibility, interface and communicate effectively with both internal and external customers regardless of the level of technical expertise.
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and be flexible and overcome obstacles to complete tasks.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • General office environment.
  • Require walking and bending.
  • May require lifting up to 35 pounds. 
  • Capacity to work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines and multiple projects.
  • Must be able to work independently or in a team environment. 
  • May require visiting work sites and/or clients.
  • On as needed basis working at a client office is required.  
  • Position regularly requires working in sitting position with computer for extended periods.

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