Court Reporter or Computer-Assisted Court Recorder

Court Reporter - $2,000 New Hire Incentive & Eligible for Reimbursement of Interview and Moving Expenses

or

Computer-Assisted Court Recorder

Job ID: 34726
Agency: Unified Judicial System, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: Court Reporter $28.37 to $29.79 per hour at a minimum, depending on experience, or Computer Assisted Court Recorder $21.63 per hour
Closing date: 02/16/2026

For more information on the Unified Judicial System, please visit http://ujs.sd.gov .

The Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial, and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the public’s trust and confidence. Our vision is justice for all.

Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victims’ rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

The UJS offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 11-13 paid holidays every year, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

Position Purpose:
The Unified Judicial System seeks to hire a Court Reporter or Computer Assisted Court Recorder, depending on the applicant's qualifications.

The Court Reporter reports, transcribes, and serves as the guardian of the verbatim stenographic record of official court proceedings in an accurate, impartial, and confidential manner.

The Computer-Assisted Court Recorder uses computer assisted digital audio recording systems to record judicial proceedings in a magistrate or circuit court by setting up both portable and fixed equipment and testing it before each hearing where it is used, operating the equipment during proceedings including marking testimony and retrieving it for playback when requested, and maintaining an inventory, in cooperation with UJS IT, of recorded cases that may be retrieved and copied to other mediums; and prepares transcripts of testimony when requested to provide administrative support for judges.

Minimum Qualifications:

Court Reporter: Graduation from an accredited or non-accredited court reporting school with a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification and the ability to type 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy. South Dakota Notary Public is required to swear in witnesses in the courtroom. No experience is necessary.

• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.
• 5% increase in salary after successful completion of CRR (Certified Real-time Reporter) certification.
• The fee for the preparation of a transcript from a court reporter's notes of evidence is $3.60 per page for the original. The fee for a copy, furnished on request, is $0.65 per page, to be paid to the officer of the court who prepared the transcript. Depending on the location transcript work can be moderate to extensive. Court reporters may be allowed to freelance and perform outside depositional work that does not involve the recording and/or transcribing of official judicial system court proceedings outside of normal office hours and for additional compensation as court calendars permit.

Computer Assisted Court Recorder: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.

• Three years of experience in an office setting or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Experience in a court environment is preferred.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Court Reporter

Knowledge of:

• courtroom procedures, standards, and ethics;
• legal terminology and processes;
• producing courtroom transcripts;
• English language including meaning, spelling, rules, and grammar;
• court reporter equipment and software and recording equipment.

Ability to:

• shorthand at least 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy;
• stay up-to-date with changes in terminology, slang, and reporting procedures;
• troubleshoot and solve court reporter computer equipment and software issues;
• concentrate and focus for extended periods of time;
• listen to emotional testimony without reacting or forming opinions;
• maintain confidential information and proceedings;
• meet timeframes and deadlines in producing transcripts;
• schedule proceedings with multiple parties;
• communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally;
• maintain a professional demeanor when proceedings become emotional and volatile.

Computer-Assisted Court Recorder

Knowledge of:

• courtroom procedures, standards, and ethics;
• court procedures and legal systems;
• word processing in a network environment;
• computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Schedule Plus, and Excel;
• general office procedures and practices;
• legal terminology;
• medical terminology;
• drug terminology;
• English language, including meaning, spelling, rules, and grammar.

Skill in:

• typing and/or keyboarding proficiently and quickly;
• operation of computer-based word processing equipment and other intelligent micro-computers or terminals;
• use of transcription equipment.

Ability to:

• use analytical skills in working with equipment and computers;
• provide consistently accurate work products;
• work in confidential environment;
• prioritize assignments and make decisions independently;
• understand and proofread technical and legal materials;
• understand and use medical and prescription dictionaries;
• perform administrative and clerical tasks relevant to the court;
• stay up to date with changes in terminology, slang, and reporting procedures;
• troubleshoot all UJS equipment that may be used in the courtroom and office;
• listen to emotional testimony without reacting or forming opinions;
• maintain confidential information and proceedings;
• meet timelines and deadlines;
• schedule proceedings with multiple parties;
• communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally;
• maintain a professional demeanor when proceedings become emotional or volatile.

The State of South Dakota, Unified Judicial System does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The Unified Judicial System as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

You may view our benefits information at https://ujs.sd.gov/media/gbtinrye/come_work_for_us.pdf .

Apply at: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3G4
Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
Phone: 605.773.4884
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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