Justice Court Clerk

Employer

Gallatin County

Salary

$24.36 - $26.88 Hourly

Location

Law & Justice Center- 515 S. 16th, Bozeman, MT

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

00762

Department

Justice Court

Opening Date

02/11/2026

• Description
• Benefits

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Justice Court Clerk provides clerical and technical support to the Gallatin County Justice Court. This position processes court forms and filings, attends court sessions, records courtroom activities, manages case files, and assists the public, attorneys, and law enforcement. Justice Court handles a variety of matters, including criminal cases, citations, civil cases, small claims, weddings, and other legal matters. The position reports to the Clerk of Justice Court and does not directly supervise other County staff. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Court Operations Support

• Serve as the first point of contact at the front counter, assisting the public with forms, information, and direction for weddings, trials, and other court activities.
• Respond to inquiries from attorneys, law enforcement, court staff, and the public regarding court procedures, case status, and filing options while maintaining confidentiality.
• Receive, process, and file standardized court documents, including orders, motions, and pleadings; collect and record fees as required.
• Process and distribute filings and correspondence based on trial dates, statutory deadlines, and office procedures.
• Process mail, including express shipments, registered mail, and electronic correspondence.
• Maintain manual and electronic records management and docketing systems with accurate case and file information.
• Handle sealed or confidential information in compliance with court rules.
• Review past records, payments, and appearances to determine appropriate next steps such as issuing a warning letter, warrant, or default judgment.
• Receipt and disburse fines, filing fees, restitution, bond refunds, and other financial transactions; maintain daily balances.

Trial Activities Coordination

• Prepare courtrooms by locating and organizing all required documents and files for hearings and trials.
• Serve as court clerk on a rotating basis during hearings, trials, change-of-pleas, and omnibus hearings, including preparing documents for judicial signatures and recording minutes.
• Coordinate trial juries, including contacting jurors, issuing notices, attending voir dire, tracking attendance, administering oaths, and serving as bailiff when required.
• Receive, record, and track exhibits entered evidence, ensuring proper documentation and accessibility.
• Record and maintain trial minutes, documenting all motions, witnesses, appearances, and proceedings.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional duties as assigned, including assisting coworkers, participating in training, and supporting special projects.
• Provide services during declared emergencies or disasters, as required by the County, to assist with emergency response and recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Montana statutes, court rules, and legal procedures relevant to Justice Court.
• Legal terminology, court forms, and filing procedures.
• Principles of records management, research, and customer service.
• Office practices, technology, and case management systems.

Skill in:

• Accurately preparing, processing, and filing legal documents.
• Maintaining multiple calendars, deadlines, and case dockets in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Providing courteous and professional customer service, even in stressful situations.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet strict statutory deadlines.

Ability to:

• Multi-task effectively under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
• Maintain composure and professionalism when dealing with upset or hostile individuals.
• Safeguard sensitive and confidential information.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, judges, court personnel, law enforcement, and the public.
• Interpret and apply court rules, statutes, and office procedures consistently.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• Two to three (2–3) years of related clerical, legal, or administrative experience.

The incumbent must be (or become) a sworn officer of the court, filed with the Clerk and Recorder. Successful applicants must be able to work well under stressful situations when dealing with the public, handle busy phones, enjoy detail-oriented work, have a working knowledge and familiarity with personal computers, and type a minimum of 45 wpm accurately.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.

Required attachments to be considered as a candidate are:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Typing Test results

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1 st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)

COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.

Employer Gallatin County Address 311 W. Main Room 303 Bozeman, Montana, 59715 Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io Website