Career Opportunities

Digital Court Reporter

Job Location

Manatee County Judicial Center

Position Available

Immediately (open until filled)

Salary

$3,799.86 monthly (non-negotiable) including Cost Area Differential (CAD); State employees are paid on the last workday of each month. The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary. Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

Job

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Digital Court Reporter based in Manatee County.  The Digital Court Reporter is responsible independent, technical, and clerical work monitoring multiple court proceedings from a central location using the OpenCourt software for digital audio recording. The Digital Court Reporter annotates court events as they occur within the recording for future retrieval. The employee may be required to sit in one position for long periods of time. Work is performed under the supervision of a Manager of Digital Court Reporting or other Court Managers, and the employee must exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential information. While work is performed independently, the employee will share an office with up to five other court recorders and must work well in a team environment.   

Examples of Work Performed

• Monitors and annotates all proceedings in assigned courtrooms in order to ensure a complete and accurate recording of the proceedings;
• Monitors audio quality, performs tests of digital recording equipment, advises supervisor of malfunctioning equipment;                                                          
• Performs playback services for the Court and provides CDs or other retrieval records of recorded hearings to the public;        
• Communicates with Judicial Assistants and Clerks through email, phone and software (SmartBench, Benchmark, JACS, etc.);
• Maintains statistical data regarding digitally recorded proceedings and media provided to the Court, litigants and the general public. 

Technology and Equipment Usage

In addition to the ability to use basic office equipment, this position calls for strong computer skills, such as: proficient typing skills; the ability to use computer applications such as OpenCourt/CourtSmart, Microsoft Office products and Microsoft Outlook; searching the Internet; and the ability to learn and use new program software. Must be able to use a personal computer, copy machines, fax machines, scanning devices, multi-line telephones.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

This position requires basic knowledge of the legal system; court processes and procedures; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Ability to learn, use and understand the OpenCourt/CourtSmart software and digital recording system or any other software that may be required to perform duties
• Ability to use a personal computer in a Windows environment, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to multi-task and type accurately
• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence and reports
• Ability to compute basic mathematical and statistical functions such as percentages and averages
• Ability to work in a close environment with co-workers
• Ability to plan, organize and complete special assignments with minimum supervision
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, and the general public
• Ability to efficiently prioritize and organize work and meet deadlines 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to establish work priorities, work under pressure and organize work
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with deadline requirements
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, automated environment with interruptions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive issues before the court
• Knowledge of court system procedures, practices and applicable statutes, rules, regulations, laws and ordinances

Education

A High School diploma or GED and one year of college or vocational school education in office skills, computer operation or closely related field.

Experience: Two years of legal experience. Additional relevant education may substitute for the recommended experience on a year-for-year basis. 

Benefits

For more information on the State of Florida benefits please click here!

Apply

Interested applicants must submit a current State of Florida Application to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter explaining your interest and availability and current resume are also required.   Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery.

Email: Human Resources Manager
Or mail to: Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.  The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.  If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application or selection process, please call 941-861-7811.

Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.