Water Court Office Manager

Job Description
- Water Court Office Manager )

Position Title:

Water Court Office Manager - (  )

The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

The Montana Judicial Branch is seeking a Water Court Office Manager to coordinate the daily administrative operations of the Montana Water Court. The position works closely with the judges and court staff to ensure that staffing, scheduling, facilities, purchasing, technology, and office procedures function effectively and efficiently.

The position supervises and supports judicial assistants, coordinates office coverage and administrative schedules, manages office and facility needs, and assists with the logistical coordination of hearings, meetings, travel, and other court activities. The incumbent serves as a point of contact for judges, court staff, attorneys, vendors, other agencies, and members of the public regarding administrative matters and works with appropriate personnel to resolve questions and operational issues.

The position also assists with court administrative processes, records management, website updates, purchasing, financial processing, technology coordination, and other operational needs of the Water Court. The incumbent exercises independent judgment on administrative matters while recognizing and appropriately referring matters requiring judicial, Human Resources, or other authorized decision-making.

This position provides administrative support to court operations and does not direct judicial decision-making or assume the statutory responsibilities of the clerk of court.

The incumbent works independently with general supervision and must be able to organize competing priorities, establish work priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain reliable office operations. The position reports to Judge Peters.

Supervises, trains, and supports judicial assistants; assigns and reviews work, establishes priorities, and identifies opportunities to improve work processes.

Manages judicial assistant schedules to maintain appropriate office coverage and coordinates staff availability with court needs.

Approves leave requests and prepares, verifies, and submits time and payroll records within delegated authority.

Conducts performance evaluations and addresses performance concerns in coordination with the judges and Human Resources, consistent with assigned supervisory authority.

Coordinates administrative scheduling with water masters, including calendars, travel, and coverage needs, without directing their judicial work.

Oversees the general court calendar and coordinates courtroom scheduling.

Arranges locations and logistical details for offsite hearings, public meetings, and other court events, including reservations, travel, lodging, equipment, and remote participation.

Serves as a point of contact for judges, attorneys, court staff, vendors, other agencies, and the public regarding administrative matters; researches questions and routes inquiries to the appropriate person when necessary.

Coordinates the availability and use of technology for hearings, recording, and remote appearances and works with technical staff to resolve equipment and access issues.

Manages office space, equipment, supplies, postage, printing services, and software subscriptions to support efficient office operations.

Maintains vendor relationships and serves as the primary administrative contact for the landlord and building management.

Verifies and processes invoices and prepares payment and purchase orders in accordance with applicable procedures and delegated authority.

Coordinates the use and regular maintenance of state vehicles.

Assists with the development and maintenance of office safety and security plans.

Develops and maintains administrative office procedures to improve consistency, work quality, and efficiency.

Assists with daily operational processes, filing systems, records management, retention requirements, and related vendor arrangements, including Iron Mountain.

Maintains administrative content on the Water Court…