Job Description

The Second Judicial District is seeking a full-time Official Stenographic or Electronic Court Reporter for newly appointed Judge Devona Wells. This is a highly responsible technical work role. The primary functions are to capture a verbatim record of court proceedings using a stenographic machine to prepare and distribute transcripts in accordance with rules of court, opinions, state statutes, legal guidelines, and policies.

Additionally, the court reporter serves as the appointing authority's confidential assistant. The court reporter exercises independent judgment as related to the duties of maintaining the record. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the appointing authority.

This position supports Judge Wells and promotes the court's mission of providing justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.

Regular hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. This position will require the ability to work full-time during these hours.

This is a hybrid role working both on-site and remotely, depending on business needs, and a reliable internet connection will be required when working remotely.

Responsibilities

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position.

• Capture and preserve a verbatim record of court proceedings.
• Play/read back testimony upon request.
• Prepare transcripts and court orders.
• Maintain accurate and complete files, records, and exhibits.
• Maintain awareness of relevant rules, statutes, and policy changes/additions/deletions.
• Serve as confidential assistant to judicial officer.
• Occasional filing on behalf of the court.

Minimum Qualifications

• As this position currently requires some remote work, access to a reliable internet connection is required.
• Applicants for this position must be able to travel between court locations, including the main courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, Juvenile and Family Justice Center, and 402 Commitment Court in downtown St. Paul, MN, and the suburban courthouse in Maplewood, MN.
• A person seeking employment for the position of Official Stenographic Court Reporter must meet the following minimum qualifications.

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND
2. Graduation from a court reporting school approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) within the past two years; OR
3. Compliance with one of the following:
4. Received a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation from the NCRA; OR
5. Received an equivalent certification from another state or territory of the United States, or professional court reporter association; OR
6. Have been practicing proficiently as a professional stenographic reporter for the past two (2) years and within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (a) or (b), and then produce a transcript with 95% accuracy to successfully complete this requirement, as described in (d) below; OR
7. Obtain RPR designation from the NCRA within two years of hire. Pending receipt of the RPR designation, must, within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (a) or (b), and then produce a transcript. The participating RPR certified stenographer will determine that Ninety-five (95) percent accuracy is achieved to successfully complete this requirement.

• A person seeking employment for a position of Official Electronic Court Reporter must meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND
2. Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the classification specification; AND
3. Compliance with one of the following within three months of hire:
4. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter certificate from the State Court Administrator; OR
5. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter Certification and an Electronic Transcriber Certification from the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT); OR
6. Receive an Electronic Court Reporter certification from an accredited court reporter school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to enter clear, detailed log notes regarding significant occurrences or produce stenographic shorthand notes and produce verbatim transcripts for high-volume, complex court proceedings with the potential for expedited deadlines or deadlines mandated by the Court of Appeals. All transcript work must be done outside work hours using equipment not provided by the employer.
• Excellent grasp of grammar and punctuation and the ability to apply it to transcript production.
• Meticulous attention to detail and willingness to research transcript-related matters, including, but not limited to, procuring name spellings and ensuring correct subject terminology is used.
• Ability to focus for long periods of time.
• Proficient in multiple computer hardware and software applications; interest in and ability to learn new technology and computer programs.
• Ability to learn, interpret, retain, and apply policies, procedures, and statutes, specifically relating to establishing the official court record.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize duties in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Flexible and willing to work with other judges.
• Professional and courteous while in chambers and towards the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated proficiency in realtime reporting, with the ability to produce accurate, verbatim transcripts instantly for use by judges, attorneys, and other courtroom participants (preferred, not required).

Rate of Pay

The expected hiring range for this position for external candidates is $28.33-$43.32/hour based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT US

Why Work for Us?

Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.

Employee Benefits

The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Career Opportunities - State Court Administrator's Office. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 2ndHR@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Internal Applicants

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Questions:

Please contact Human Resources at 2nddistrictHR@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.