OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

7d • 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 medical, legal, and technical knowledge to accurately capture and transcribe complex testimony. Using computer-aided transcription equipment and software, the realtime reporter converts stenographic keystrokes into written text for immediate display on computer monitors.

The position is appointed, not represented by a union, eligible for benefits, and eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Appointment is contingent upon passing a background check. The position is based primarily in a courthouse, with remote work potentially available for part of the workweek depending on court needs. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional travel to County courthouse locations and possibly to meetings or trainings. Daily in-person interactions with County staff and the public are expected.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of courtroom proceedings, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in fields including law, medicine, engineering, and chemistry.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow related court rules and State laws.
• Compliance with WAC 308-14-085 and WAC 308-14-130.
• Washington State certification in compliance with RCW 2.32.180, demonstrating the ability to report and transcribe accurately at 175 words per minute for a judge's charge or 200 words per minute for testimony, each for five consecutive minutes.
• A current Washington State driver's license may be required.
• Must own computer-aided transcription equipment 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 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive health care and dental and vision care for the employee and family.
• Paid vacation and paid holidays for full-time regular employees.
• County-paid training and encouragement to participate in professional organizations and conferences.
• Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote work.
• Three voluntary deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying full-time public service employees.

What This Job Offers

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