Official Stenographic or Electronic Court Reporter
The Honorable Kimberly Wimmer, who is chambered in Itasca County (Grand Rapids, MN) is seeking to fill an Official Stenographic or Electronic Court Reporter position. This is highly responsible technical work. The primary function is to capture a verbatim record of court proceedings using a stenographic machine or electronic recording equipment and to prepare and distribute transcripts in accordance with rules statutes, legal guidelines and policies.
The court reporter is responsible for maintaining the record during all court proceedings and managing exhibits. Additionally, the court reporter serves as the appointing authority's confidential assistant and assists with administrative duties as needed. This position requires some degree of experience with office and administrative tasks and/or a willingness to assist with such work. The court reporter exercises independent judgment as related to the duties of maintaining the record. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the appointing authority.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive State of Minnesota benefits package.
What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected for this position to perform (any one position may not include all of examples cover all the duties which may be performed):
- Capture verbatim record of court proceedings and read back testimony upon request. Prepare court orders and transcripts as requested by judge.
- Maintain accurate and complete files and records and awareness of Rules, Statutes, and policy changes/additions/deletions. Serve as confidential assistant to the judge, includes performing court-related and confidential duties as directed by the judge.
- Confer with the judge frequently to discuss court and community activities and coordinate and schedule appointments. members of the public and justice system partners.
- Some travel may be required.
What You Must Have
Stenographic Court Reporter:
A person seeking employment with the Branch for the position of official stenographic court reporter must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Graduation from high school or equivalent; and
Graduation from a court reporting school approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) within the past two years; or compliance with one of the following:
Received a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation from the NCRA; or
Received an equivalent certification from another state or territory of the United States, or professional court reporter association; or
Have been practicing proficiently as a professional stenographic reporter for the past two (2) years and within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (1) or (2), and then produce a transcript with 95% accuracy as described in (4) below; or
Obtain RPR designation from the NCRA within two years of hire. Pending receipt of the RPR designation, must, within one (1) month of hire, accurately take a minimum of 20 minutes of court proceedings alongside a stenographic court reporter who has an RPR designation or certification as provided in clauses (1) or (2), and then produce a transcript. The participating RPR certified stenographer will determine that Ninety-five (95) percent accuracy is achieved to successfully complete this requirement.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficient in multiple computer hardware and software applications; interest in and ability to learn new technology and computer programs. Ability to learn, interpret, retain and apply policies, procedures and statutes, specifically relating to establishing the office court record.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize duties in a fast-paced professional environment.
- Ability to enter clear, detailed log notes regarding significant occurrences or do trial work with the potential of high-volume, complex transcript work.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally, both orally and in writing. Flexible and willing to work with other judges, judicial law clerks, and court staff.
- Professional and courteous while in chambers and towards the general public. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check.
What You Will Earn
The expected starting salary is $28.33 per hour to midpoint of the salary range, depending on qualifications. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of Minnesota employee benefits.
Supplemental Information
- The hours for this position will be between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; hours may vary depending on business needs.
- This position has opportunities for a flexible work environment with some ability to work remotely. On-site work is expected.
- Court Reporters are at-will employees, and the work is performed under the supervision of a District Court Judge.
- All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check. An employment offer may be rescinded if the background check identifies job related convictions.
Instructions for Applying
- Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached by September 8, 2025 at 4:30 pm. Please include three professional references with contact information.
- Please contact Human Resources with questions regarding this posting via email: ruth.bender@courts.state.mn.us; Phone: (218) 759-4370.
About Us
Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another’s growth.
Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family’s wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at Ruth.Bender@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.