Whatcom County Superior Court - Court Reporter

Whatcom County Superior Court - Court Reporter

Summary
Whatcom County Superior Court is seeking a skilled and reliable Court Reporter to join our team. This position is responsible for creating and maintaining accurate, real‑time records of court proceedings and ensuring timely transcript delivery in accordance with legal requirements. The ideal candidate will be detail‑oriented, maintain professionalism in the courtroom, and possess strong technical and communication skills.

Key Duties

• Attend court proceedings and produce accurate, real‑time verbatim transcripts
• Provide transcripts and rough drafts to judges as needed
• Maintain stenographic equipment, records, and databases in compliance with legal standards
• Collaborate with coworkers to ensure complete and consistent case records
• Respond to inquiries from court staff, legal professionals, and the public
• Meet required deadlines for transcript preparation
• Stay current on court reporting practices and maintain necessary certifications

Supervisor
:
Superior Court Judges

Hours of Work
:
Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM

Salary Range
:
Unrepresented – Range 801. Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (approx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated COLA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, English, or a related field AND three years of progressively responsible experience in legal reporting
• OR Associate’s degree in Court Reporting AND five years of progressively responsible experience in legal reporting

Desired

• Certificate of completion from a court reporting program approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or equivalent
• Three to five years of recent and continuous court reporting experience across a variety of subject matters
• Strong writing, grammar, and transcription skills
• Proficiency in operating computerized stenographic equipment and court reporting software

Supplemental Information

• Must possess and maintain Washington State Certified Court Reporter (CCR) certification
• Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR) certification through NCRA
• Criminal justice background check must meet County criteria
• Must pass job‑related testing
• Employee must provide and maintain court reporting and transcription equipment at own expense

To be considered for this position, please submit your certification along with your résumé and cover letter. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their families
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) up to 330 hours annually; cash‑out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum
• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) with joint contributions
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (approx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved cost‑of‑living adjustments.

Interview Questions

• 1. How many years of experience do you have providing real‑time court reporting and preparing official transcripts?
• 2. This role requires consistent attendance and meeting strict transcript deadlines. How do you manage your workload and schedule under pressure?
• 3. Do you currently hold a Washington State Certified Court Reporter license?
• 4. Do you currently hold an NCRA certification (RPR or RSR)?
• 5. Are you able to transcribe using a computerized stenographic machine at a minimum of 180–200 words per minute with a high level of accuracy?
• 6. Are you able to supply and maintain your own stenographic equipment and reporting software as required by this position?

Seniority Level
:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type
:
Full‑time

Job Function
:
Legal