Court Reporter or Computer-Assisted Court Recorder

Court Reporter / Computer-Assisted Court Recorder – $2,000 New Hire Incentive & Reimbursement of Interview & Moving Expenses

Job  | Agency:
Unified Judicial System, Sixth Judicial Circuit |

Location:

Pierre, SD | Closing date: 02/16/2026

Salary:
Court Reporter $28.37 to $29.79 per hour depending on experience. Computer Assisted Court Recorder $21.63 per hour.

The Unified Judicial System (UJS) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial, and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the public's trust and confidence. Our vision is justice for all.

Our employees are our most valuable resource and crucial to accomplishing our mission. We seek talented and motivated individuals to be the face of the court system and help ensure that the Court and all the people that come before it receives the highest level of service. Our dedicated staff work to enhance community safety and ensure victims' rights while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

The UJS offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of 11‑13 paid holidays, extensive sick and vacation leave, paid family leave, military training leave, health and flexible benefits, regular working hours, continuing education opportunities, retirement benefits, a great working environment, and more.

The Unified Judicial System seeks to hire a Court Reporter or Computer Assisted Court Recorder, depending on the applicant's qualifications.

The Court Reporter reports, transcribes, and serves as the guardian of the verbatim stenographic record of official court proceedings in an accurate, impartial, and confidential manner.

The Computer‑Assisted Court Recorder uses computer‑assisted digital audio recording systems to record judicial proceedings in a magistrate or circuit court by setting up both portable and fixed equipment and testing it before each hearing, operating the equipment during proceedings including marking testimony and retrieving it for playback when requested, and maintaining an inventory—in cooperation with UJS IT—of recorded cases that may be retrieved and copied to other mediums.

The Recorder also prepares transcripts of testimony when requested to provide administrative support for judges.

Graduation from an accredited or non‑accredited court reporting school with a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification and the ability to type 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy. South Dakota Notary Public is required to swear in witnesses in the courtroom. No experience is necessary.

• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.
• 5% increase in salary after successful completion of CRR (Certified Real‑time Reporter) certification.
• The fee for the preparation of a transcript from a court reporter's notes of evidence is $3.60 per page for the original. The fee for a copy, furnished on request, is $0.65 per page, to be paid to the officer of the court who prepared the transcript. Depending on the location transcript work can be moderate to extensive. Court reporters may be allowed to freelance and perform outside depositional work that does not involve the recording and/or transcribing of official judicial system court proceedings outside of normal office hours and for additional compensation as court calendars permit.

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate.

• Three years of experience in an office setting or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Experience in a court environment is preferred.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required for employment.

• courtroom procedures, standards, and ethics;
• legal terminology and processes;
• producing courtroom transcripts;
• English language including meaning, spelling, rules, and grammar;
• court reporter equipment and software and recording equipment.

• shorthand at least 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy;
• stay up-to-date with changes in terminology, slang, and reporting procedures;
• troubleshoot and solve…