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Job Details for Court Reporter

Court Name/Organization Alabama Northern District Court
Overview of the Position This position is organized as a direct report to the Chief Deputy Clerk of the U.S. District Court Clerk’s Office, performing court reporting services for judicial proceedings in a fast-paced environment. Travel between the geographical divisions, including Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Anniston, and Florence, AL, is necessary to support court operations.
Location Birmingham, AL
Opening and Closing Dates 12/01/2025 - 01/16/2026
Appointment Type Permanent
Classification Level/Grade 1-4
Salary $95,462 - $109,781
Link to Court Careers Information http://www.alnd.uscourts.gov
Announcement Number 25-10
Link to Job Announcement

Position Description

  • Maintain the courtroom record and produce transcripts of court proceedings according to strict standards
  • Provide highly accurate records and transcripts at the request of a party or by order of the Court, within a prescribed time and at rates set by Judiciary policy
  • Ensure billing and transcript formats comply with Judiciary requirements
  • Adhere to the requirements set out in the Court Reporter Management Plan
  • Maintain accurate, legible records, which are subject to occasional audit
  • Produce, maintain, and safeguard records until they are disposed of according to statutory requirements and Judiciary policy
  • Provide backup coverage for team members, as required
  • Perform other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

The qualifications of official court reporters are determined by standards formulated by the Judicial Conference of the U.S. and include:

  • At least one year of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts or a combination of such experience; and
  • Qualification by testing for listing on the registry of professional reporters of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passage of an equivalent qualifying examination, as determined by Judiciary policy

The ideal candidate for this position is a mature, self-motivated professional eager to learn and grow in pursuit of the Clerk’s mission to support the administration of justice. The incumbent should be highly organized, possess tact, exhibit good judgement under pressure, show initiative, and maintain a professional attitude, appearance, and demeanor. Strong team orientation and customer service skills are a must to succeed with the U.S. District Court.

General Experience

Applicants must possess a high school diploma, or equivalent. A college degree is preferred

Specialized Experience

  • Realtime proficiency
  • Realtime certification is preferred but not required
  • Knowledge of and experience with computer-aided transcription (CAT). Must provide own CAT system with Realtime capability
  • Possess and provide all necessary personal equipment and software

Employee Benefits

A generous benefits package is available and includes:

  • Paid holidays (11 days)
  • Retirement benefits (e.g., immediate matching contributions in the Thrift Savings Plan)
  • Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Health Benefits, supplemental Dental and Vision Insurance, and Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance

The position is not covered by the provisions of 5 U.S.C. chapter 63, subchapter I (formerly referred to as the "Leave Act") and does not have a regularly scheduled tour of duty. Accordingly, the Clerk of Court suggests that all official court reporters maintain an income disability insurance policy, which is purchased at the employee’s expense.

Miscellaneous

  • Maintain the courtroom record and produce transcripts of court proceedings according to strict standards
  • Provide highly accurate records and transcripts at the request of a party or by order of the Court, within a prescribed time and at rates set by Judiciary policy
  • Ensure billing and transcript formats comply with Judiciary requirements
  • Adhere to the requirements set out in the Court Reporter Management Plan
  • Maintain accurate, legible records, which are subject to occasional audit
  • Produce, maintain, and safeguard records until they are disposed of according to statutory requirements and Judiciary policy
  • Provide backup coverage for team members, as required
  • Perform other duties, as assigned

Application Info

Interested applicants must submit four items combined into a single PDF:

  1. A cover letter
  2. A resume
  3. A list of professional references
  4. A completed Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO 78)

Submit materials electronically to personnel@alnd.uscourts.gov. Hard copies and faxed copies of applications will not be accepted.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.