Official Court Reporter

The salary for this position is: $7,950 monthly.

Official Court Reporters are responsible to attend, report, and protect the legal record of court proceedings. The reporters must possess a high degree of medical, legal and technical knowledge in order to accurately capture and transcribe complex testimony presented in court proceedings. Through the use of sophisticated computer equipment and software, the "realtime" reporter is able to supply a simultaneous translation of computerized stenographic keystrokes into written word and immediate display on computer monitors.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attends and reports court proceedings verbatim utilizing "realtime" capability and equipment. Prepares draft transcripts and/or diskettes for the judge's review. Prepares and certifies Verbatim Reports of Proceedings as requested by counsel or the court.
• Conducts extensive research to maintain and expand computer dictionary for use as part of "realtime" court reporting equipment.
• Indexes court notes and files them with the County Clerk. Maintenance and indexing of computerized files for storage by reporter.
• Keeps daily log of all proceedings, including case number, appearances and type of proceeding to ensure cross-reference to electronic records.
• On occasion, transcribes oral decisions and other proceedings as requested by the Judge.
• Transcribes court proceedings for counsel or parties at expense of counsel and parties.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Judge.

To view the full job classification, click here: Court Reporter

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Work is performed in a courthouse setting and involves sitting for the majority of the workday. Remote work may be available for part of the work week and is subject to the needs of the court.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel required to perform essential functions at various County Courthouse locations and may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily in-person interactions with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Basic knowledge of courtroom proceedings, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary in various fields such as law, medicine, engineering, chemistry, etc. Ability to read, comprehend and follow related court rules and State laws. 
• Compliance with WAC 308-14-085 and 308-14-130, Washington State Department of Licensing. Washington State Certification in compliance with statutory requirements of RCW 2.32.180, being "able to report and transcribe accurately 175 words per minute of the judge's charge or 200 words per minute of testimony each for five consecutive minutes."
• Current Washington State Driver's License or have an appropriate accommodation.
• Incumbent is required to own his/her computer aided transcription with real time capability using software Case Catalyst.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

• Certified by the National Shorthand Reporters Association at minimum of 225 wpm.
• Certified as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), and/or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) is desirable.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Aurora Shackell at 360-786-5572

This position is:

• Not represented by a union
• Not eligible for overtime
• Eligible for benefits
• Contingent upon passing a background check

Items requested for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.