Municipal Court Administrator

Jersey City, City of • Jersey City, NJ

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About The Position

The City of Jersey City is seeking a Municipal Court Administrator for its Municipal Court. Under the direction of the Municipal Court Judge and/or Municipal Court Director, the administrator performs quasi-judicial and administrative functions related to court operations. The position plans and coordinates court procedures, supervises staff, supports case processing and court sessions, administers court records and revenues, and performs other assigned duties. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week as needed, and is classified as non-exempt. The stated pay range is $57,190–$66,453.97, based on qualifications and experience.

Appointees must meet applicable Municipal Court Administrator certification and accreditation requirements. Newly appointed non-certified administrators must obtain conditional accreditation within six months of appointment and full accreditation within three years, subject to stated exceptions and possible extensions for good cause. Appointees must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license. This is a civil service position requiring eventual qualification for the applicable Civil Service title, and it is subject to NJ First Act residency requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience in work related to the administrative operation of a court, law enforcement agency, law office, or government agency, including preparation and/or processing of legal documents.
• A Municipal Court Administrator certificate issued by the New Jersey Supreme Court is required for appointees, subject to the exceptions stated in the posting.
• Newly appointed non-certified municipal court administrators must obtain conditional accreditation within six months of appointment and full accreditation within three years of appointment; extensions may be granted for good cause.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license.
• Must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.
• Must meet residency requirements under the NJ First Act.
• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and procedures for planning and implementing work activities.
• Knowledge of issues involved in formulating effective office policies and procedures for clerical and related operations.
• Knowledge of methods for preparing and supervising statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Knowledge of methods for supervising the establishment and maintenance of records and files.
• Knowledge of budget-preparation techniques and general accounting and statistical record-keeping methods.
• Ability to establish, implement, and monitor work goals and objectives; organize work and develop effective methods; assign and instruct individuals and groups and evaluate their performance; and coordinate administrative and clerical functions, staff, and facilities.
• Ability to interpret applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and procedures; prepare clear, concise, accurate, and informative reports, including statistical reports; and maintain a firm and correct position when controversial matters are considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement procedures for efficient and effective court operations.
• Assign duties to court personnel and supervise and evaluate their performance.
• Instruct office staff on court rules, state statutes, local ordinances, and local court policies.
• Provide or arrange training for office staff.
• Develop administrative programs to achieve Municipal Court objectives.
• Analyze, evaluate, and modify office procedures as needed.
• Participate in case processing, including determining whether summonses or warrants should be issued, interacting with defendants, witnesses, and attorneys, docketing, recording payments and fines, operating recording equipment during proceedings, and scheduling trial calendars.
• Determine whether alleged facts justify a summons or arrest warrant and, when issuing a warrant, determine bail consistent with applicable statutes and court rules.
• Accept complaints and administer oaths.
• Attest to court writs, processes, commitments, search warrants, bench warrants, and subpoenas.
• Prepare court calendars and arrange court sessions, courtroom facilities, and staff assignments.
• Assist the Municipal Court Judge with defendant arraignments.
• Call and swear witnesses at trials.
• Where authorized, set pre-trial release conditions in accordance with applicable bail schedules.
• Receive and disburse bail, fines, costs, and other court revenues.
• When serving as Violations Clerk, supervise or perform the relevant duties and related tasks.
• Establish and maintain required records and files.
• Learn and use electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Pension
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Prescription coverage
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Other benefits in the City of Jersey City retirement and health benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED