Court Clerk - Magistrate I

$1,500 New Hire Incentive

Job ID: 32472
Agency: Unified Judicial System, Fourth Judicial Circuit
Location: Dupree, SD
Salary: $28.37 per hour
Closing date: 09/08/2025

For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov .

The Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial, and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the public's trust and confidence. Our vision is justice for all.

Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victims' rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

The UJS offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 11-13 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

This is a full-time, benefited position that involves working part-time at the Dewey County Courthouse and part-time at the Ziebach County Courthouse each week, with a schedule dependent on the applicant.

Position Purpose:
Manages office operations associated with circuit and magistrate court cases filed with the court by planning, organizing, and directing procedures; and supervising personnel assigned to the court clerk magistrate's office to ensure compliance with rules and regulations set by the Unified Judicial System (UJS) and South Dakota statutes. Duties may include:

Managing processing of case types, e.g., criminal, juvenile, traffic ticket, civil, child support, divorce, probate, protection order, guardianship, trust, adoption, mental illness, involuntary commitment, small claim, pardon, expungement, pro se, etc., according to procedural guidelines and rules, and ensures files are correct and complete.
Performing clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and to provide direct court contact for average citizens.
Performing administrative tasks to ensure the work of the unit and the court is accomplished according to applicable procedural guidelines and protocols.
Managing receipt and disbursement of money collected by the court, e.g., bonds, alimony, child support, prepaid attorneys' fees, scram, drug-testing, fines, costs, restitution, filing fees, etc., according to established accounting procedures and protocols.
Providing customer service by answering questions from, and maintaining working relationships with, a wide variety of sources including the public, county officials and personnel, collection agencies, law enforcement, abstract offices, attorneys, media, lending institutions, defendants and their families, Judges, and other staff to assist them with court functions and to facilitate positive public relations.
Implementing jury management procedures by preparing a master jury list, grand jury list, and petit trial lists to ensure an adequate number of jurors are available for scheduled and pending hearings.
Supervising staff, ensures completion of workloads, organizes staff meetings, and communicates via telephone and e-mail.
Performing other work as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or possession of a GED certificate. Two years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Supervisory experience preferred but not required. Certification in a Court Management Program (CMP) or Court Executive Development Program (CEDP) through the National Center for State Courts is preferred.

Upon hire, the successful applicant must meet the following requirements before beginning employment:
1. MUST BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES,
2. RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, AND
3. A VOTING RESIDENT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. (SD CONST. ART. V, SECTION 6)
If you already meet these requirements, please note them on your application details or on your resume.

Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• the organization, rules, and procedures of the Unified Judicial System;
• South Dakota Codified Laws;
• policies and procedures of circuit districts and local circuit courts;
• principles and practices of case management and processing;
• computer codes and software programs used by the UJS;
• civil fees and costs required or authorized by the law;
• policies and practices of human resources management;
• general office practices;
• accounting principles and practices;
• policies governing legal information and legal advice;
• legal terminology.

Skill in:

• data entry and word processing;
• critical thinking;
• organizing and prioritizing work;
• time management;
• perseverance.

Ability to:

• remain neutral and objective while providing information and assistance to a wide variety of agencies and individuals;
• work with irate and unhappy litigants and recognize and defuse unacceptable behaviors;
• manage stress;
• adapt and work effectively in changing situations and with varying individuals;
• acquire and analyze information from various sources and draw conclusions;
• assess procedures and recommend improvements;
• pay attention to details and recognize and resolve errors;
• speak in public.

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

You may view our benefits information at https://ujs.sd.gov/media/gbtinrye/come_work_for_us.pdf .

Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=26F
Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: 605.773.4884
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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