Court Reporter

Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama is recruiting for the position of full‑time Official Court Reporter. The court is seeking a mission‑driven professional who is organized, experienced, and proficient. This position works with all Judges in the District and provides court reporting services for judicial proceedings as required. This is a full‑time, permanent position with a 12‑month probationary period. This is an administrative, non‑law enforcement position. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although some additional hours and travel within the Middle District are required. This is an on-site position located in Montgomery, Alabama that reports to the Chief Deputy. Location Montgomery, AL Opening and Closing Dates 04/16/2026 - Open Until Filled Appointment Type Permanent Salary $95,454 - $114,546 Announcement Number 26-ALMD-006 Position Description Attend and report verbatim, by shorthand or mechanical means, court sessions; read back portions of court record when requested. Produce accurate and timely transcripts as requested and electronically file with Clerk of Court a copy of all transcripts for requesting parties. Adhere to Judicial Conference page format and statutory page rate requirements. Maintain accurate, legible records subject to audit. Perform administrative duties such as billing for transcripts, financial and record keeping, preparation and filing of required Administrative Office reports, and responding to official correspondence and telephone calls. Follow the District’s Court Reporter Management Plan, Judicial Conference of the United States guidelines, and the Guide to Judiciary Policy. Occasionally travel within the District as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications All candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor’s degree is highly desired. The position requires an ability to communicate information accurately and in a timely manner, handle multiple workload demands, and possess effective oral and written communication skills, mature judgment, and multi‑tasking ability. The successful candidate must have the following characteristics: At least four years of prime court reporting experience in freelance service or other courts, or a combination thereof. Qualified by testing for listing on the Registry of Professional Reporters (RPR) of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passed an equivalent qualifying examination. Possess, provide, and maintain all necessary personal equipment and software for transcript production and real‑time services. Realtime certification is highly preferred but not required; proficient real‑time skills are mandatory. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills. Ability to get along well with others. Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with people in person, on the phone, or electronically. Work independently with initiative. Work under strict deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Experience with Microsoft Office. The successful candidate must be reliable, highly organized, a self‑starter, multi‑task, and possess excellent oral and writing communication and interpersonal skills, strong customer service ability, and a professional demeanor. Salary Range CR Level 3: $104,999 (Requires Realtime Certification) CR Level 4: $109,772 (Requires Realtime and Merit Certification) CR Level 5: $114,546 (Current Federal Official Court Reporters employed since 10/11/09 with ten years of service plus Level 3 and 4 requirements) CR Level 2 and up must meet minimum qualifications in addition to specified certifications. Merit Certification – Registered merit reporter certificate from the NCRA Realtime Certification – Successful completion of a required real‑time examination by NCRA or equivalent. Employee Benefits Employees of the U.S. District Court have access to an excellent benefits package that includes the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)), health, life, dental & vision insurance, long‑term care insurance, a flexible spending program, 11 paid holidays per year, and a leave accrual program. For FERS retirement, employees contribute to the Basic Benefit Plan through payroll deductions; the benefit is calculated at retirement. Employees appointed on or after January 1, 2014, automatically contribute 4.4% of base pay each paycheck to the Basic Benefit Plan. Additional information about federal judiciary employee benefits and compensation is available on the U.S. Courts website. Official Court Reporters must provide all equipment and supplies necessary to take orders for and produce computer‑aided transcription and printed copies of transcripts, including telephone and internet service, computer equipment, software, printers, and supplies. A background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record check, will be conducted as a condition of employment. Employees must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr