in
U.S. Courts

Operations Supervisor

U.S. Courts See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $125,768 - $197,200/year
  • San Francisco, CA
August 27, 2026

Job Description

Are you interested in a position that supports the federal Judiciary's mission of ensuring equal justice under the law? Do you possess strong leadership skills, have experience managing multiple programs and teams, and thrive on complex, rule-driven work? The Clerk's Office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is seeking a talented Operations Supervisor to join our team.

Duties

  • This position is located within the Office of the Clerk in San Francisco and reports to the Chief Deputy. The Operations Supervisor will supervise multiple departments within the Clerk's Office, including the calendar and case materials units and the staff members who perform those functions.
  • Oversees the flow of cases and materials and the assignment of cases to oral argument calendars; regularly analyzes the efficiency and accuracy of systems and processes; identifies opportunities for improvement; and implements changes in consultation with the Clerk and Chief Deputy.
  • Ensures the quality of case-related data and refines processes to improve efficiency and accuracy of the recusal system and case materials.
  • Develops and facilitates training for existing, new, and changing programs, functions, goals, and processes. Studies quantity and quality of work and takes or recommends necessary corrective action.
  • Manages staffing, workload, and coverage of teams; sets performance standards; and leads professional training, development, and evaluation of staff.
  • Recommends short and long-range plans and schedules, sets priorities and deadlines, and coordinates these with subordinates and other teams.
  • Analyzes and interprets Administrative Office directives, court rules, and orders of the court affecting the work of the Clerk's Office.
  • Compiles and presents statistical information and reports for the court, the Administrative Office, chambers, and Clerk's Office leadership.
  • Maintains open communication and good working relationships with Judges' chambers.
  • A successful candidate will promote good working relationships and morale, setting a positive example for subordinates in working closely with judges, management, court personnel, other courts, and governmental agencies to improve the case flow process and overall operations of the court.

Salary
  • $125,768 - $197,200/year
Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship.
  • Provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

A minimum of six years of progressively responsible, successful, and substantive administrative and/or operational experience (three of which must be managerial) in public service, legal, or comparable professional fields. A successful candidate will also demonstrate:

  • A record of leading, motivating, and developing teams.
  • Being highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to advise senior leaders, brief complex matters, and respond promptly to inquiries from a wide range of audiences.
  • The ability to successfully resolve personnel matters.
  • Experience responding to the needs of multiple senior leaders within an organization and defining and streamlining operational processes in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
  • Sound judgment and unwavering discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
  • Proficiency with legal case management or workflow systems, including the ability to conduct training, define reports, and make recommendations regarding operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of court appellate practice and procedure, or demonstrated ability to master a complex, rule-driven operating environment quickly.
  • Experience in a court, legal, agency adjudicatory body, or other high-volume case processing organization.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Education High School Diploma; however, a bachelor's degree is preferred. Other Information The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason, including, but not limited to, budgetary issues. Said modifications may occur without prior written or other notice. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The 9th Circuit encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance. Equity Opportunity Employer Required Documents

  • Cover letter directly responding to this vacancy announcement, and
  • Current resume
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

Please upload the following documents through the Career Portal by using the appropriate upload button:

  • a cover letter directly responding to this vacancy announcement, and
  • a current resume
Only applications with a cover letter, and resume will be considered.

Benefits Salary*: Depending on qualifications and experience, $125,768 to $197,200 (CL 30). Time off: 13 days of paid vacation for the first three years, increasing with tenure thereafter, 13 sick days accrued per year, 11 paid holidays Benefits: Employer subsidized health and life insurance plans. Dental, vision, flexible spending account, and long-term care plans are available. Employer-sponsored pension plan and supplemental retirement contribution plans with employer match. Other Perks: Telework opportunities, eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), mass transit subsidy, reasonable work hours, team environment, creative people, and enhanced vacation accrual-based tenure.


Have Questions?

Looking for a job or looking to hire? We're here to help! Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Justia Legal Jobs.