Associate Judge Jobs in Eden Prairie, MN (NOW HIRING)

The First Judicial District is seeking qualified applicants for a team-oriented Court Operations Associate to join the Criminal Division of the Dakota County Court Administration team in Hastings, MN.
These two Court Operations Associate positions are fast paced, highly detail-orientated positions with a variety of responsibilities. Primary responsibilities include advanced case processing in an electronic environment, extensive work in the courtroom, including live case updating while court is in session, and providing exceptional customer service on the phone and in person. These positions will work directly with the public, judges and justice partners. Duties require the application of independent judgement, and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, and regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job.
The primary work location for these positions is in the Criminal Division at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN 55033. Reimbursable travel to train or work at other Dakota County Court facilities may be required, including Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, MN and Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Standard hours of work are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and optional benefits and paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.
What You Will Do
The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position:

• Performs the full range of court operations work within the Major Criminal Division, using electronic case processing systems and related applications and equipment.
• Initiates case records using electronic means or paper documents; records required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, events, and dispositions in case processing system and other relevant systems; notifies relevant individuals about missing information, documents, or non-compliant legal forms.
• Performs in-court live updating including calling cases, taking minutes, processing documents filed and distributed in the courtroom, and recording required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, and events in electronic case management and other relevant systems in the courtroom.
• Processes cases within assigned area of responsibility; research, track, and monitor case status and progression; follows up with judges, lawyers, and/or parties, as necessary. Issues receipts for payment of court fees, fines, bail, and restitution.
• Provides assistance to attorneys, parties, self-represented litigants, judges, and the public by responding to a variety of questions in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically; provides forms, documents, and court procedure information; assists public in filling out various applications and forms; checks people in for court.
• Utilizes applicable technology (i.e., operating and information systems and/or programs) and office equipment to perform and complete work assignments.
• Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.

What You Must Have
The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today!

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of recent experience in the legal field or highly technical, customer focused, administrative, office, or clerical work

Nice to Have

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Business Administration or a related field
• Experience working in the legal field or court setting
• Extensive knowledge of court policies, procedures, processes, and terminology
• Experience working with Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) and eFile and Serve (EFS) the Minnesota Judicial Branch electronic case processing system

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 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.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and files appropriately and in compliance with all applicable court rules, policies, and statutes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside of the Judicial Branch.

To Apply
Please apply for this position online by clicking the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page. Cover letter and resume are recommended and can be uploaded/attached to your online application.
This is a Teamsters CAT represented position and is posted for both internal and external application. Application deadline for internal candidates is Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 11:55PM and external candidates is Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 11:55PM. Only current Teamsters CAT represented employees are eligible for internal consideration. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 3rd and 4th at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN.
The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $22.28 - $28.86 per hour ($46,520.64 - $60,259.68 annually) based on qualifications. The full salary range for this position is $22.28 - $35.44 per hour ($46,520.64 - $73,998.72 annually). This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.
All Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of a criminal background check.
Please contact Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us with questions regarding this position.
About Us
Why Work for Us?
Minnesota Judicial Branch employees consistently express pride in their public service and in the quality of programs and services provided to customers, as well as appreciation for the teamwork and collaboration that is promoted within the MJB. We celebrate and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and actively seek and value diversity in professional background and cultural characteristics. We are intentional and mindful about the organizational culture we are building, seeking broad-minded individuals with robust capabilities who value supporting one another's growth.
Employee Benefits
The Minnesota Judicial Branch cares about and invests in you as an employee. Because of that, we offer affordable yet competitive benefits to support you and your family's wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes health and wellness benefits, enhanced fertility benefits, short- and long-term disability, pension, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Learn more at Employee Benefits - Careers at the Minnesota Judicial Branch Careers. Minnesota Judicial Branch employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This federal program allows qualified individuals to have their loans forgiven after meeting certain requirements working in public service. You can learn more about this program from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the office of Federal Student Aid.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding employment are made without discrimination on the basis of disability. Please let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability to participate in the employee selection process by contacting Human Resources at 1stdistrict.hr@courts.state.mn.us. The Minnesota Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Minnesota Judicial Branch that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment be made without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We value and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Internal Applicants
If you are a current employee of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, please apply to open positions conveniently through your Oracle account by visiting Opportunity Marketplace - Browse Opportunities.