Want to become a Montana Court Clerk?

Court Clerk Jobs

Court Reporter in Iowa Judicial Branch

Court Reporter Job Description

Job Title

Court Reporter

Salary

$26.55 – $26.55 Hourly

Date Posted

07/03/2025

Hours

Part Time



Court Reporter Job Description

When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community, and further your career. As a service-oriented employer, we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission to provide an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.

Job Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

About Polson, Montana

Polson is a location in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake, largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. This charming lakeside community is the trading center for one of Montana’s most fertile farming areas. The broad, sweeping Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered by the rugged, snow-capped Mission Mountains. Learn more by visiting https://www.visitmt.com/


Job Qualifications

  1. Thorough knowledge of trial and appellate court procedures, established precedent, rulings, and decisions relating to court reporter obligations and responsibilities
  2. Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  3. Knowledge of legal, medical, and technical terminology and legal concepts
  4. Knowledge of current provisions affecting court reporting in Montana Code Annotated, Rules of Court, and court policy
  5. Knowledge of computerized recording equipment and use
  6. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment
  7. Knowledge of computer hardware and software, which may include word processing, spreadsheet, and database software
  8. Knowledge of legal research materials
  9. Ability to set up computerized recording equipment, including proper connection of microphones and cables to obtain voice separation and a high-quality audio recording
  10. Ability to simultaneously monitor court proceedings and write clear, detailed log notes for extended periods of time
  11. Ability to listen and concentrate for extended periods of time
  12. Ability to exercise tact, patience, and impartiality during all court proceedings, without regard to disruption and adverse and stressful conditions
  13. Ability to accurately transcribe audio tapes within express appellate timelines and reasonable timelines in non-appellate instances
  14. Ability to exercise independent judgment
  15. Ability to prepare complex documentation and forms related to appellate transcripts
  16. Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and organize workload to meet transcript production guidelines, including negotiating terms of transcript production when applicable
  17. Ability to interpret, explain, and apply laws, rules, policies, and procedures pertaining to the functions of a court reporter
  18. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with agencies and individuals in the court system and with attorneys, litigants, and the public
  19. Ability to understand and carry out complex or ambiguous verbal and written instructions and execute tasks promptly
  20. Ability to recognize and maintain the need for confidentiality
  21. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people
  22. Ability to always maintain professional appearance and demeanor
  23. Ability to be flexible regarding assignments, which may include travel and transporting equipment
  24. Work requires the ability to listen attentively, concentrate, sit and operate computerized recording equipment for extended periods of time, work under stressful situations during intense court proceedings and lifting and transporting recording equipment to various locations both within and out of the courthouse to which assigned
  25. Notary public certification may be required for some positions
  26. Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license; proof of insurance if using a personal vehicle on State business
  27. Minimum Qualifications (Education And Experience)
  28. Graduation from high school supplemented by coursework in secretarial sciences or paralegal training and experience in a legal or court office
  29. Must have the ability to operate a computerized recording system, troubleshoot problems as they occur, and quickly develop solutions
  30. An understanding of court procedures is also required
  31. Excellent typing skills and the ability to produce transcripts is required
  32. At least three years of high-level clerical work working with various computer software programs

Job Responsibilities

  1. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends
  2. This is highly responsible technical and clerical work for the Honorable John Mercer of the 20th Judicial District in Polson, Montana
  3. Duties include attending sittings of court, capturing a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment, and preparing and distributing transcripts in accordance with rules of court, state statutes, and policies
  4. The court reporter exercises considerable independent judgment in all aspects of job performance
  5. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the judge or court administrator
  6. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-5-603, solely responsible for capturing and preserving a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment
  7. Set up equipment, conduct sound check, monitor operation of and dismantle recording equipment in courtroom
  8. Maintain a complete record of all verbal communications and, to the extent necessary to provide an intelligible record, non-verbal incidents
  9. Create log notes related to the proceedings, which would include but not be limited to, identifying participants by name, marking and identifying exhibits, noting any “off the record” discussions allowed, objections, bench or sidebar conferences, motions, rulings, jury instructions, and types of testimony
  10. Remind parties, as necessary, to speak clearly and one at a time to ensure the integrity of a verbatim record
  11. During proceedings, upon request of the judge or litigants, locate and play back portions of proceedings
  12. Maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings, regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions
  13. Utilize computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts and court orders
  14. Maintain accurate and complete files and records including log notes, computer disks, exhibit lists, witness lists, court calendars, certified transcripts, and other materials for archiving
  15. Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts and related documents upon request by transcribing court proceedings from audio recordings and detailed log notes within specified timelines; may utilize a transcriptionist or proofreader at the cost of the court reporter
  16. Search court record upon request of the judge and other court staff
  17. Archive audio and associated files pursuant to Judicial Branch policy
  18. Provide court reporter coverage for other judges within assigned district and other judges sitting on proceedings held in assigned district
  19. May provide administrative support to judge; receives and screens visitors, calls and messages; transcribes dictated court documents and correspondence; prepares claims for payment; maintains a filing system
  20. Communicate with litigants and the public regarding requests for official transcripts
  21. May perform bailiff functions for jury trials
  22. Work is performed primarily in a courtroom, hearing room, conference room, judge’s chambers, and in an office setting
  23. May include travel assignments
  24. Court reporters may retain transcript income pursuant to 3-5-604 MCA

How to Apply

Resume – Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check

Leave a Comment