Court Clerk

Court Operations Associate

The Wright County Court Administration team in Buffalo, MN is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Court Operations Associate to join the Calendaring/Jury Division.

The Court Operations Associate position is a fast paced, highly detail-oriented position with a variety of responsibilities such as performing advanced clerical work, providing customer service and ensuring compliance with applicable court rules, policies, and standards to achieve an impartial, accessible, fair, and timely system of justice. This position will work directly with the public, judges, and other court employees by processing all case types. Duties require the application of independent judgement and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job.

This AFSCME-represented position is classified as a Court Operations Associate and located in the Wright County Justice Center at 3700 Braddock Ave. Buffalo, MN 55313, with the possibility of a remote or hybrid work environment. Core business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Initial days off: Saturday, Sunday, and Court Designated Holidays.

What You Will Do

• Independently performs clerical court work relating to criminal, juvenile, traffic, probate, jury, conciliation, civil, and/or family, case processing on the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), Microsoft Office, electronic File and Serve, SharePoint and other related computer systems.
• Performs courtroom clerking duties including in-court updating, calling cases, taking minutes, processing documents filed and distributed in the courtroom, and recording required data in the electronic case management and other relevant systems in the courtroom.
• Performs front counter and telephone duties
• Issues receipts for payment of court fees, fines, bail, and restitution; receives, reviews, processes, and/or pays amounts due for witness fees, transcripts, psychological examiners, court appointed attorneys, and interpreters.
• May perform the duties of an Electronic Recording Equipment Operator (EREO) including setting up and testing recording equipment and recording and monitoring court proceedings.
• Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.
• Utilizes applicable technology (i.e., operating and information systems and/or programs) and office equipment to perform and complete work assignments.
• Learns all aspects of the court calendar plan, including entry and modification of the plan as well as monitoring and performing scheduling work.
• Schedules hearings according to the calendar plan, prepares and/or issues scheduling orders and other orders as directed by process.
• Administrative duties as assigned.

What You Must Have

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, and at least one (1) year of relevant job experience. Additional education may substitute for experience.

What You Will Bring

• Knowledge of court procedures and policies, laws, legal terminology and legal factors pertaining to the court.
• Knowledge of the organization, operation, function, and jurisdiction of the court.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service practices.
• Skill in the operation of a personal computer, including electronic case management system and related applications and equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents of varying types and complexity and apply knowledge of specific laws, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures related to the area of assignment.
• Ability to maintain an accurate record filing system.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office-setting, a public counter and/or in a courtroom.

Physical Demands

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items less than 25 pounds such as papers and files. Some positions may require periods of extended sitting, standing, use of telephones and office equipment, and use of computers to enter and retrieve data. Some positions may require standing on a ladder to retrieve files from high shelves.