Official Court Reporter

County of Thurston • Olympia, WA

6d • $7,950 - $7,950 • Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Superior Court is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable Official Court Reporter to attend, report, and protect the legal record of court proceedings. The role requires substantial medical, legal, and technical knowledge to accurately capture and transcribe complex testimony. Using computer-aided transcription equipment and software, the reporter provides realtime conversion of stenographic keystrokes into written text for immediate display on computer monitors.

The position is based in a courthouse, with remote work potentially available for part of the work week depending on court needs. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel to County courthouse locations and for meetings or training may be required. The role involves sitting for most of the workday and daily in-person interaction with County staff and the public. The position is appointed, eligible for benefits and overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and contingent on passing a background check. The salary is $7,950 per month.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of courtroom proceedings, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and chemistry.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow related court rules and State laws.
• Compliance with Washington Administrative Code requirements WAC 308-14-085 and 308-14-130.
• Washington State certification meeting RCW 2.32.180 requirements: accurately report and transcribe 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 may be required.
• Own a computer-aided transcription system with realtime capability using Case Catalyst software.

Nice To Haves

• National Shorthand Reporters Association certification at a minimum of 225 words per minute.
• Certification as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR), Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), and/or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR).

Responsibilities

• Attend and report court proceedings verbatim using realtime capability and equipment.
• Prepare draft transcripts and/or diskettes for the judge's review.
• Prepare and certify Verbatim Reports of Proceedings as requested by counsel or the court.
• Conduct extensive research to maintain and expand the computer dictionary used with realtime court-reporting equipment.
• Index court notes and file them with the County Clerk.
• Maintain and index computerized files for storage by the reporter.
• Keep a daily log of proceedings, including case numbers, appearances, and proceeding types, to cross-reference electronic records.
• Transcribe oral decisions and other proceedings when requested by the Judge.
• Transcribe court proceedings for counsel or parties at their expense.

Benefits

• Retirement plan.
• Pre-tax savings accounts, including flexible spending accounts for eligible healthcare and daycare expenses.
• Comprehensive health care and dental and vision care for employees and their families.
• Paid vacation for full-time regular employees.
• Paid holidays.
• County-paid training and opportunities to participate in professional organizations and conferences.
• Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working, subject to availability and operational needs.
• Access to three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for qualifying full-time public service employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed