Digital COURT Reporter - Bradenton, FL

Position Title

Digital Court Recorder

12th Judicial Circuit Courts;
Bradenton, FL (Manatee County Judicial Center)

$45,598.32 annually, including CAD (non‑negotiable; State employees are paid on the last workday of each month)

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Digital Court Recorder based in Manatee County. The Digital Court Recorder performs independent, technical, and clerical work monitoring multiple court proceedings from a central location using Open Court software for digital audio recording. The Recorder annotates court events as they occur within the recording for future retrieval and may be required to sit in one position for long periods of time.

Work is performed under the supervision of a Manager of Digital Court Recording or other court managers and requires discretion with sensitive and confidential information. While often independent, the Recorder shares an office with up to five other recorders and must work well in a team environment.

• Monitors and annotates all proceedings in assigned courtrooms to ensure a complete and accurate recording.
• Monitors audio quality, performs tests of digital recording equipment, and advises supervisor of malfunctioning equipment.
• Performs playback services for the Court and provides CDs or other retrieval records of recorded hearings to the public.
• Communicates with Judicial Assistants and Clerks through email, phone, and software (Smart Bench, Benchmark, JACS, etc.).
• Maintains statistical data regarding digitally recorded proceedings and media provided to the Court, litigants and the public.

• High School diploma or GED plus one year of college or vocational school education in office skills, computer operation or a closely related field.
• Two years of legal experience; additional relevant education may substitute for recommended experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Knowledge of the legal system, court processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to learn and use Open Court/Court Smart software and other digital recording systems.
• Proficiency with Windows applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing skills and ability to multi‑task accurately.
• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence and reports.
• Basic mathematical and statistical skills (percentages, averages).
• Ability to work closely with co‑workers and maintain effective relationships with court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information discreetly.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, automated environment with interruptions.

• Proficient use of computer applications including Open Court/Court Smart, Microsoft Office, and Outlook.
• Ability to use a personal computer, copy machines, fax machines, scanning devices, and multi‑line telephones.
• Searching the Internet and learning new program software as needed.

Work Schedule:

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. + Shift;
Employee will be scheduled to remain until all courts have concluded for the day, two–three days per week.

Position Available:
Open until filled.

Annual salary: $45,598.32 including CAD; membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need accommodation in the application/selection process, call .

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the hiring authority in advance for sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System; all employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.