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Job Details for Official Court Reporter

Court Name/Organization Texas Eastern District Court
Overview of the Position The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community and the general public. Currently, we are seeking an innovative and experienced individual to serve as an Official Court Reporter for the U.S. District Court. There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler
Location Beaumont, TX
Opening and Closing Dates 10/29/2025 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade CR Level 1 - Level 4
Salary $94,510 - $108,686
Link to Court Careers Information https://txed.uscourts.gov/?q=career-opportunities
Announcement Number 2025-5
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

Official Court Reporters must become familiar with and adhere to all requirements of the Court Reporter Management Plan for the district. They work as part of a team of reporters on a regular tour of duty that requires their presence in the courthouse during core working hours of 80 hours per period. Occasional extended hours and reimbursable travel to cover court proceedings at other divisional offices within the district may be required. Duties include:

  • Report proceedings utilizing own equipment held in court and in chambers (courtrooms are outfitted with electronic sound systems). Must be able to read back the court record during the proceeding upon request.
  • Produce verbatim transcription of proceedings upon request, within strict time limitations, and in compliance with the Judicial Conference’s billing and transcript format requirements. Deliver, email, or mail official transcripts and file with the Clerk of Court original records and a copy of transcripts prepared. (Original records may be maintained in the reporter’s machine/office as an extension of the clerk’s office.)
  • Respond timely to official correspondence. Maintain accurate and legible records that are subject to audits and prepare and file all reports required by the Administrative Office.

Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications for level 1: Candidate must have passed the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Examination administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passed an equivalent qualifying examination.

For pay levels above level 1, the candidate must meet qualifications for level 1 and the following:

Level 2- Must possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA.

Level 3- Must have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or an equivalent exam.

Level 4- Must (1) possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA and (2) have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or equivalent exam.

Employee Benefits

The U.S. District Court falls within the Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government. Judiciary employees serve under “Excepted Appointment” and are considered “at-will” employees. As such, employment may be terminated by either the employer or the employee with or without cause. Federal Civil Service classifications/regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to similar benefits as other federal employees. These benefits include participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System which contributes to the Social Security Retirement Program, the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program, Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program, Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k plan with employer matching contributions), paid holidays and annual/sick leave accrual. See the U.S. Courts website for an overview of Federal Judiciary benefits.

Miscellaneous

Official Court Reporters must become familiar with and adhere to all requirements of the Court Reporter Management Plan for the district. They work as part of a team of reporters on a regular tour of duty that requires their presence in the courthouse during core working hours of 80 hours per period. Occasional extended hours and reimbursable travel to cover court proceedings at other divisional offices within the district may be required. Duties include:

  • Report proceedings utilizing own equipment held in court and in chambers (courtrooms are outfitted with electronic sound systems). Must be able to read back the court record during the proceeding upon request.
  • Produce verbatim transcription of proceedings upon request, within strict time limitations, and in compliance with the Judicial Conference’s billing and transcript format requirements. Deliver, email, or mail official transcripts and file with the Clerk of Court original records and a copy of transcripts prepared. (Original records may be maintained in the reporter’s machine/office as an extension of the clerk’s office.)
  • Respond timely to official correspondence. Maintain accurate and legible records that are subject to audits and prepare and file all reports required by the Administrative Office.

Application Info

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of your background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (questions 19, 20, and 21 completed), and a resume. The cover letter should be addressed to:

Diana Velez, Human Resources Manager
William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse
211 West Ferguson Street, Room 106
Tyler, Texas 75702

An application form can be obtained on our webpage at: http://www.txed.uscourts.gov. All documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the reference number (2025-5 Official Court Reporter) in the subject line via e-mail to: hr@txed.uscourts.gov.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be screened for qualifications and only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a personal interview. Skill and knowledge testing may be administered to candidates who progress beyond the initial interview process. Expenses associated with interviews or relocation will not be reimbursed.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.