What are the responsibilities and job description for the Court Operations Associate - Dakota County District Court - Criminal (2 Positions) position at Minnesota Judicial Branch?
The First Judicial District is seeking qualified applicants for two customer-focused and team-oriented Court Operations Associate to join the Criminal Division of the Dakota County Court Administration team at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN.
These Court Operation Associate positions are fast paced, highly detailed-orientated positions with a variety of responsibilities. Primary responsibilities include advanced case processing in an electronic environment, extensive work in the courtroom, including live case updating while court is in session, and providing exceptional customer service on the phone and in person. These positions will work directly with the public, judges and justice partners. Duties require the application of independent judgement, and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, and regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job.
The primary work location for these positions is in the Major Criminal Division at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN 55033. Reimbursable travel to train or work at other Dakota County Court facilities may be required, including Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, MN and Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Standard hours of work are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and optional benefits and paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.
What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:
- Performs the full range of court operations work within the Major Criminal Division. Uses electronic case processing systems and related applications and equipment.
- Initiates case records using electronic means or paper documents; records required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, events, and dispositions in case processing system and other relevant systems; notifies relevant individuals about missing information, documents, or non-compliant legal forms.
- Performs in-court updating including calling cases, taking minutes, processing documents filed and distributed in the courtroom, and recording required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, and events in electronic case management and other relevant systems in the courtroom.
- Processes cases within assigned area of responsibility; researches, tracks, and monitors case status and progression; follows up with judges, lawyers, and/or parties as necessary. Issues receipts for payment of court fees, fines, bail and restitution.
- Provides assistance to attorneys, parties, self-represented litigants, judges, and the public by responding to a variety of questions in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically; provides forms, documents, and court procedure information; assists public in filling out various applications and forms; checks people in for court; refers new or complex questions to higher level staff.
- Utilizes applicable technology (i.e., operating and information systems and/or programs) and office equipment to perform and complete work assignments.
- Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.
What You Must Have
The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today!
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- One year of recent experience in the legal field or highly technical, customer focused, administrative, office, or clerical work
Nice to Have
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Business Administration or a related field
- Experience working in the legal field or court setting
- Extensive knowledge of court policies, procedures, processes, and terminology
- Experience working with Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) and eFile and Serve (EFS) the Minnesota Judicial Branch electronic case processing system
What You Will Bring
- Knowledge of court procedures and policies, laws, legal terminology and legal factors pertaining to the court.
- Knowledge of the organization, operation, function, and jurisdiction of the court.
- Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
- Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of customer service practices.
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer, including electronic case management system and related applications and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity and apply knowledge of specific laws, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures related to the area of assignment.
- Ability to maintain an accurate record filing system.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.
To Apply
Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page. Cover letter and resume are recommended and can be uploaded/attached to your online application.
This is a Teamsters CAT represented position and is posted for both internal and external application. Application deadline for internal candidates is Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:55PM and external candidates is Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:55PM. Only current Teamsters CAT represented employees are eligible for internal consideration.
The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $22.28 - $28.86 per hour ($46,520.64 - $60,259.68 annually) based on qualifications. The full salary range for this position is $22.28 - $35.44 per hour ($46,520.64 - $73,998.72 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.
All Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.
Please contact Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.
Salary : $46,521 - $60,260
