Court Reporter-Steno or Electronic (08010)

The first review of applications will be September 12, 2024. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 For a complete job description, please email Katie.Erickson@mt.gov

The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community, and further your career. As a service-oriented employer, we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission to provide an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.

This position is in Great Falls, MT. Great Falls is often referred to as Montana’s basecamp as our city of just over 60,000 people is centrally located and home to an international airport. Nestled in between 4 mountain ranges, 3 rivers, 2 wilderness areas and 1 wildlife refuge, adventure is easily accessible in every direction. Did we mention we’re about halfway between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park? Great Falls makes the perfect stopover. Stretch your legs on the picturesque 53 miles of trail that runs along the famed Missouri River that goes right through town. Add to that the 11 museums and over 25 wall murals that make our downtown Montana’s biggest art gallery. For more information, visit https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/

Learn more by visiting https://www.visitmt.com/

­Job Overview: 

This is highly responsible, advanced skill, technical work as an Official Court Reporter for the Honorable Judge John Kutzman in the 8^th Judicial District, Great Falls, Montana. 

Duties include attending sittings of court, capturing a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment such as Zoom or stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription (CAT) software. Transcripts are prepared and distributed in accordance with rules of court, state statutes, and policies. The court reporter exercises considerable independent judgment in all aspects of job performance. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the judge or court administrator.

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-5-603, solely responsible for capturing and preserving a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment or a stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription software.

Set up equipment, conduct sound check, monitor operation of and dismantle recording equipment or stenograph machine in courtroom, conference rooms, judge’s chambers, or other locations as directed by the judge.

Maintain a complete record of all verbal communications and, to the extent necessary, to provide an intelligible record including nonverbal incidents in the proceedings.

Remind parties, as necessary, to speak clearly and one at a time to ensure the integrity of a verbatim record.

During proceedings, upon request of the judge or litigants, locate and read or play back portions of proceedings. 

Maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings, regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions.

Utilize computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts.

Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts.

Archive computerized recordings or stenographic and associated files pursuant to Judicial Branch policy.

Provide court reporter coverage for other judges within assigned district and other judges sitting on proceedings held in assigned district. Remain current on computerized court reporting technology.

Communicate with litigants and the public regarding requests for official transcripts.

Provide administrative support as assigned by the judge.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in a courtroom, hearing room, conference room, judge's chambers, office setting, or recorded by Zoom or another electronic audio-visual platform. May include travel assignments. 

Court reporters may retain transcript income pursuant to 3-5-604 MCA. 

Physical Demands:

Work requires extended periods of listening, concentration, and operation of a keyboard or stenograph machine and may include lifting and transporting stenographic, computer equipment, or other recording equipment to assigned courthouse locations.

Licensure and Certification Requirements:

Preferred but not required - Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification and Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) certification, maintained by obtaining required continuing education units, in accordance with certification guidelines established by NCRA.