Supreme Judicial Court Job Opportunity
Court Officer l

This posting will remain open until filled, but consideration of candidates will begin as of July 20, 2026

To Apply please send all documents listed under "Applications Requirement" to SJCCourtOfficerSubmissions@jud.state.ma.us

Supreme Judicial Court Mission Statement

To promote the rule of law and foster public trust by leading an independent judiciary that assures every person equal access to the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes in courts managed with efficiency and professionalism.

Court Officers for the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) are responsible for maintaining order in and around the John Adams Courthouse and for protecting all who utilize the courthouse.

Reporting directly to the SJC’s Chief Court Officer, Court Officers protect and safeguard courtrooms, grounds, buildings, justices, court personnel, and the public on the courthouse premises.

Court Officers enforce all judicial orders and city, state and federal laws and ordinances as appropriate.

Major Duties

The following represents a partial list of those duties and responsibilities performed by individuals in this position:

• Protect and safeguard the John Adams Courthouse, grounds, justices, court personnel, and the public;
• Provide a visual security presence at entrances/security screening stations and throughout the building; screen persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband; operate metal detectors and x-ray machines to perform the screening functions;
• Patrol assigned areas, making periodic rounds and security checks of the courthouse and grounds;
• Respond to fire alarms, disturbances, courtroom incidents, and accidents and prepare detailed reports on such occurrences;
• Respond to medical emergencies and render aid when necessary;
• Take steps to effectively control emergency situations by summonsing assistance, taking appropriate action in disruptive situations, managing traffic in the courthouse, and participating in searches of the court premises;
• Assist in building evacuations, re-entry procedures, and crowd control as necessary;
• Exercise arrest powers, when warranted;
• Maintain security logs and perform equipment checks as directed;
• Monitor CCTV cameras to ensure safety of court personnel and the public;
• Successfully complete all court officer training programs required by the SJC;
• Comply with all SJC Court policies, Security Department policies and procedures, and state and federal laws;
• Facilitate the opening, sorting, scanning, when necessary, and delivery, of mail to the various offices and departments of the SJC and other court departments;
• Some heavy lifting is required including moving furniture, office equipment and supplies as needed;
• Provide assistance, as needed, for set up and break down of courthouse events, which may include moving furniture and equipment;
• Provide security and other related assistance at off-site SJC sittings, conferences and events;
• Escort prisoners from the holding area to the courtroom or other designated areas at the direction of the Chief Court Officer;
• Transport exhibits to and from various courthouses at the direction of the Chief Court Officer; and
• Perform other related duties as required by the Chief Justice, the Executive Director or Chief Court Officer.

Physical Exam

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to pass a physical exam that may include drug screening.

Salary

Position Grade: SJC Court Officer 1, with a salary range from $62,996.98 (Step 1) to $85,151.26 (Step 7).

Application Requirements

Each candidate must submit (1) a cover letter, (2) current resume, and (3) a completed SJC Employment Application and Addendum by email to SJCCourtOfficerSubmissions@jud.state.ma.us

Go to the applications for employment and the addendum to the application document

Consideration of candidates will begin as of July 20, 2026.

The Supreme Judicial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent; Associate’s degree preferred
• Must have received a passing score on the Massachusetts Court Officer Entry Exam, successfully completed a Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and graduated from the Massachusetts Court Officer Academy
• At least two years of work experience in criminal justice, security, law enforcement, or a related field

Required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

• Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and discretion in dealing with court personnel and the public;
• Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional stress;
• Ability to understand and adhere to all policies and procedures of Court Officers and the SJC;
• Ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform Court Officer duties, including but not limited to, standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs. and responding to disturbances;
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare detailed security reports and to maintain security logs;
• Ability to work dependably and professionally with co-workers, supervisor, justices, court personnel, and the public;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and stressful environment;
• Ability to travel within the Commonwealth when necessary;
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the SJC; and
• Some formal training in self-defense preferred.

Residency

By law, only residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may serve as employees of the judicial branch.