Job Details for Electronic Court Recorder Operator (ECRO)
| Court Name/Organization | Pennsylvania Eastern District Court |
| Overview of the Position | The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is seeking qualified applicants for position of Electronic Court Recorder Operator (ECRO). The ECRO has responsibility for the accurate and appropriate verbatim recording of court proceedings in the courtroom through the use and operation of electronic sound recording equipment. The incumbent provides basic courtroom assistance to courtroom deputies, as required. The position is in the Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia; occasional travel within the district may be required. |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 09/22/2026 - Open Until Filled |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Classification Level/Grade | CL 24 |
| Salary | $49,256 - $80,059 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/vacancy-announcements |
| Announcement Number | 26-12 (I/E) |
| Link to Job Announcement | |
Position Description
Representative Duties:
- Record verbatim court proceedings using electronic sound recording equipment. Play back proceedings as required.
- Ensure in advance that electronic sound recording equipment is in working order and notify information technology staff regarding needed maintenance and/or repairs
- Setup and arrange equipment in courtroom
- Create electronic log notes of proceedings, including participants involved in court proceedings
- Review transcripts submitted by agencies to ensure they meet the court’s format standards
- Prepare thumb drives for transcription. Arrange for and monitor the timely and accurate progress of the transcript being received from the transcriber and delivered to the appropriate parties.
- Receive and process thumb drives and transcript production orders
- Inventory and control electronic sound recording equipment and submit requests for needed supplies
- Assist the courtroom deputy with in-court duties, such as administering oaths, handling exhibits, and calling the calendar
- Operate a variety of office equipment
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be high school graduate or equivalent
- At least one year of specialized experience
- Specialized experience is progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and routine use of keyboard skills, specialized terminology, and demonstrated ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to individuals and groups in a professional manner, providing customer service and resolving difficulties while complying with rules, regulations, and procedures
- Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions
- Dependability, reliability, and good organizational skills are a must
Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Work is performed in an office and/or courtroom setting and may occur at off-site locations. Incumbent may be required to work after hours when court proceedings run late. Some lifting may be required to handle and set up equipment in the courtroom.
Employee Benefits
Employees of the U.S. District Court are entitled to federal benefits including health insurance, vision and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement benefits, participation in Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K plan), paid federal holidays, and paid annual and sick leave. To learn more about the Judiciary’s benefits: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits
Application Info
Qualified applicants must submit the following as a single PDF document: (1) letter of interest; (2) detailed resume; (3) list of at least three professional references with current contact information; (4) completed and signed AO 78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment, and (5) completed and signed AO 78B Race/Ethnicity, Gender & Disability Identification (both found at PAED - Vacancy Announcements).
Qualified EDPA (internal) employees need only submit a letter of interest and detailed resume.
Completed applications (in a single PDF document) should be forwarded to Human Resources at: paed_apply@paed.uscourts.gov with the subject line, Electronic Court Recorder Operator (ECRO) #26-12 I/E” and will not be considered complete unless all items have been received by Human Resources. Incomplete application packets will not be accepted for consideration.
The Clerk’s Office of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is committed to recruiting, developing, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.