The opportunity for citizens to submit their names for possible nomination for the 2011-12 El Dorado County Grand Jury is now available.

The Grand Jury acts as an investigative body to ensure that county, special district, and city government is being effectively run. The grand jury is not a jury for a trial.

The judges of the Superior Court shall select names from those submitted, as well as other nominees, and currently seated grand jurors who wish to be held over, to be put into the jury pool. Nineteen jurors are then selected in a random drawing from this pool. Final selection will take place in late June. Jurors are expected to be present. Jurors serve for a period of one year, commencing July 1.

The El Dorado County Grand Jury sets its own meeting schedule. However, jurors can typically expect to serve a minimum of six to seven hours over two days per week. Investigative committee chairs and the foreperson may expect to serve 10-20 hours per week. Jurors can take vacations during the session, but periods of absence exceeding two weeks, especially during the second half of the session, should be held to a minimum.

Jurors are regularly called upon to confer with government officials and other citizens in order to gain information and insight concerning matters under investigation. While being a grand juror is not a full-time job, it does require a substantial time commitment. This time includes attendance at meetings and committee meetings, investigating, and preparing written reports.

Meetings are compensated at the maximum rate of $15 per day of meeting. A mileage expense is compensated at the rate payable to employees of El Dorado County for each mile actually and necessarily traveled for purposes of said sessions or committee work. No other compensation is provided.

Applicants must be Untied States citizens, at least 18 years of age, have resided in the county for at least one year at the time of the swearing-in date, and cannot hold an elected office.

Qualified citizens who have an interest may pick up an application form at the Superior Court, 495 Main St., Placerville, go online or call (530) 621.6451. The deadline to apply is May 13.