Judicial Operations Clerk - Jury (D5 112603)

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Judicial Operations Jury Clerk to join the Polk County Clerk of Court team. This critical role oversees all aspects of jury service administration, ensuring the efficient and lawful selection, communication, and management of jurors for Grand Jury, Petit Jury, and special jury trials.

As the primary point of contact for jurors, the Jury Clerk supports the integrity of the judicial process through accurate recordkeeping, clear communication, and strict adherence to Iowa Code and court policies. The ideal candidate is customer-service focused, tech-savvy, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities with professionalism.

TO APPLY: Candidates will need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

The starting salary for new State of Iowa Judicial employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. The starting pay for this position is $21.42/hour. This is a contract covered, FLSA position.

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00A – 4:30P

Key Responsibilities

Jury Pool Management

• Create and manage jury pools using jury management software in accordance with court schedules.
• Analyze caseload trends to determine weekly juror summons needs.
• Generate jury schedules and complete associated reports.
• Review and verify jury summonses for accuracy before mailing or electronic distribution.
  
  

Juror Communication & Public Engagement

• Serve as the main point of contact for jurors regarding schedules, procedures, and service-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with Drake University’s CLE and Legal Coordinator to organize logistics for the annual spring jury trial.
• Prepare and distribute juror communications including parking passes, maps, and links to online resources.
• Work in collaboration with the Judicial Branch IT department, Judges, accounting division and other departments within the Judicial Branch.
  
  

Juror Records Management

• Process updates to juror records including address changes, excusals, disqualifications, and postponements in accordance with Iowa Code and policy.
• Verify documentation for excusals and other requests using internal systems or juror-submitted forms.
• Accurately enter data from paper and electronic sources; maintain logs of all decisions and communications.
• Manage returned mail and ensure compliance with recordkeeping standards.
  
  

Failure to Appear (FTA) Management

• Issue FTA notices via jury management software for non-responsive jurors.
• Maintain records of non-compliance and initiate civil hearings as needed.
• Prepare court orders and collaborate with the Sheriff’s Office for service of process or warrant issuance, when applicable.
• Track each FTA case through to final resolution.
  
  

Reporting & Data Analysis

• Generate weekly and monthly reports on jury activity and usage.
• Monitor trends and key metrics such as trial outcomes, panel yields, and juror response rates.
• Use data insights to support continuous improvement in jury operations.
  
  

Grand Jury & Special Jury Coordination

• Coordinate quarterly Grand Jury sessions with court officials, the County Attorney, and Public Defender’s Office.
• Work with judges on the creation of special jury pools for high-profile or sensitive cases.
• Prepare and attach supplemental questionnaires for special jury summonses.
• Keep jurors informed of reporting instructions and post-questioning updates.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• May work with other divisions of the clerk’s office to help whenever needed which may include data entry.
• Other duties as assigned by the Clerk of Court.
  
  

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• High school diploma or FED required
• 1 yr of customer service
• Education cannot be substituted for customer service experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with court systems and procedures.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with a diverse public.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and communications.
• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and discretion.
• Ability to speak in front of a large group of people
  
  

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment located within a courthouse setting.
• Prolonged periods of sitting; occasional lifting and carrying of juror materials or supplies.
  
  

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME)].