North Dakota Court System is hiring: Court Reporter-Bismarck in Bismarck

We understand that compensation isn’t a one-time discussion. Please see Compensation for more details on our compensation strategy.

The current Bismarck postings for a Paralegal, Court Reporter, and Electronic Court Recorder/Transcriptionist are to broaden the applicant pool for one successful candidate to be hired to work within the South Central Judicial District Court Judge Chambers located in Bismarck.

Stenographic equipment and software are provided by the ND Court System.

The North Dakota Court System offers employment opportunities that provide a rewarding career in public service working together to deliver justice. The Court System offers an excellent benefits package including employer-paid family health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and generous vacation and sick leave accruals.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Finds it rewarding to be highly dependable and punctual.
• Obsesses with detail ensuring accuracy of work.
• Enjoys proofreading and perfection in grammar and punctuation.
• Shows assertiveness to ensure an accurate record.
• Gives excellent customer service.
• Enjoys supporting others.

The Ideal Candidate Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma;
• Graduation from an approved program in court reporting or the Registered Professional Reporter certification and one year of related experience. Any combination of education, training, or experience which demonstrates the ability to successfully complete the major responsibilities and essential functions may be substituted for the experience requirement.
• Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Title of Immediate Supervisor: Varies

Accountable For (Job Titles): None

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The Court Reporter is responsible for making a verbatim record of district and juvenile court trials, proceedings, and other matters using computer-aided transcription, shorthand, and/or audio recording equipment, writing court logs, noting appearances and essential events during proceedings, and providing transcripts as required. Positions assigned to this classification provide administrative and secretarial support to a district judge and court staff, assist in calendar control and scheduling, and may serve as a liaison between the district judge and others in matters handled by the judge.

The Court Reporter is distinguished from other administrative and court management support positions in that it requires a completion of a specialized course of training and the ongoing development of a CAT lexicon and unique keystrokes for adequate recording speed and the distinction of homophones. Employees assigned to this classification establish certain routines and processes as well as follow routines and processes established by others. Additionally, this position is personally responsible for the production of all required and requested transcripts.

A Court Reporter who attains and maintains National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) real-time certification (CRR) and who regularly provides real-time reporting services would receive a one-step increase. (“Regularly provides real-time” means real-time is used frequently enough by the reporter so that the reporter maintains his or her proficiency.)

Positions assigned to this classification follow routines and processes established by others.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately records, transcribes, and certifies the record of court and jury trial proceedings by computer-aided equipment per state and appellate requirements. Responsibility also requires taking court notes during hearings to identify appearances and to note significant events during the hearing and to locate and present prior testimony. Travel to other counties within and outside of the district for court proceedings assigned to the district judge is also required.
• Performs clerking duties in courtroom, administers oaths, marks documents, maintains logs and other forms, and transfers stenographic notes, files, and records to the clerk of district court for reference.
• Prepares and distributes official transcripts and related documents.
• Coordinates meetings and maintains the calendar for the judge and the judge’s court schedule. Schedules trials and other court proceedings, unless done by a calendar clerk and in cooperation with the clerk of court, and informs parties of the same.
• Provides secretarial and clerical support to the district judge by preparing, transcribing, and proofing all correspondence, findings, orders, jury instructions, memorandum, or other materials.
• Performs a variety of clerical and administrative tasks that may include: scheduling rotation of court reporter pool, answering phones, maintaining and purchasing office supplies, maintaining law library, arranging appointments and travel reservations, scheduling and notifying parties of meetings and proceedings, performing related scheduling functions, and preparing expense vouchers.
• Serves as primary contact for case-related information as requested. Greets visitors, screens telephone calls and correspondence, provides information, explains policies and procedures, or refers as appropriate. Acts as a liaison between the district judge and personnel from other agencies, the general public, and attorneys.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type or as assigned.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Considerable knowledge of stenograph and shorthand dictation methods.
• Considerable knowledge of Computer Aided Transcription software.
• Considerable knowledge of research methods and resources.
• Considerable knowledge of technical terminology.
• Considerable knowledge of business English, punctuation, and grammar.
• Considerable knowledge of electronic recording equipment.
• Knowledge of secretarial practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of office systems, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of word processing and internet software.
• Knowledge of Realtime captioning and Caseview transcription applications.
• Knowledge of court rules and procedures.

Skill Requirements:

• Stenograph machine skills.
• Computer Aided Transcription software skills.
• Recordkeeping skills.
• Proficiently uses required software programs.
• Skilled in accurate transcription from audio recordings.
• Elementary legal research skills.
• Written communication skills.
• Proofreading and editorial skills.
• Interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all levels of personnel and the public.

Physical Requirements:

• The essential functions of the job typically require: grasping, sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, feeling, reaching, and fingering requirements or other reasonable methods that accommodate an individual in completing the essential functions of the job.
• Work is performed in a comfortable office work environment.
• Employee is subject to some travel in the performance of the job. Employee has control over travel schedule and can adjust schedules due to adverse weather or travel conditions.
• Physical requirements can typically be characterized as Light: Work involves exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.