Journal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Colorado State Senate is seeking a very organized, professional individual to serve as the Journal Clerk. This highly visible role acts as the official record-keeper for the Senate and accurately documents and preserves the legal integrity of all legislative proceedings. Punctuality, attendance, professionalism, and a keen attention to detail are essential.

If you are looking for a fast-paced environment where you can observe and participate in the legislative process firsthand, this is the perfect opportunity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting Salary: $65,000
• Status: Non-classified, Full Time. Training will start in September, and the legislative session begins in January.
• Retirement: Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) plans
• Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• Perks: Monthly RTD transit pass and paid parking included
• Time Off: Paid holidays, short-term disability, and paid time off during inclement weather closures

Working directly on the Senate floor and reporting to the Secretary of the Senate and the Managing Clerk, your responsibilities include:

• Journal Creation & Record Keeping: Starting a new journal daily, pre-building it with known elements from the agenda and calendar, and following the day's proceedings to record all actions in the exact order they occur. This involves accurately inputting bill/resolution titles, roll call votes, cosponsors, Governor Appointment letters, Committee Reports, and floor amendments.
• Proofing and Finalization: Getting the journal proofread daily for accuracy of content, formatting, and grammar, and maintaining official journal documents for State Archives.
• Publishing and Distribution: Sending the daily journal to print, publishing a PDF cumulative journal online, and ensuring a final hard copy is signed by the President and Secretary.
• End-of-Session Duties: Completing the addendum (for post-session actions), compiling all final index documents, preparing the final journal for hard copy publication and electronic completion, and submitting all associated files and documents to State Archives.
• Other tasks/projects as assigned by the Secretary of the Senate or the Managing Clerk.

What We Are Looking For

This position is highly visible and interactive with the Senate during all facets of legislative floor work. A successful candidate will maintain a calm and professional demeanor under fast-paced, stressful situations.

• Attention to Detail: Incredible focus on accuracy, formatting, and grammar for legal and historical records.
• Technical Skills: Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Zoom efficiently to manage schedules, track records, and facilitate virtual meetings; supplemental experience with WordPerfect software is strongly preferred to support technical document workflows.
• Political Neutrality: Ability to work in a strictly nonpartisan manner within a highly partisan environment.
• Executive Function: Strong independent work ethic with exceptional organizational and executive function skills.
• Composure: Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast paced and unpredictable environment.
• Communication: Superior verbal and written communication abilities.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely, cooperate, and maintain strong relationships with legislative staff and interact professionally with legislators.
• Resourcefulness: Proactively seeks assistance and guidance from a supervisor when necessary.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis). Experience in professional editing, macro-based workflows, or legislative environments is preferred.
• Experience: Previous legislative experience is not required, but a strong interest in the legislative process is preferred.
• Schedule and Flexibility Commitment:
• During the Legislative Session (January – May): Candidates must commit to full-time, daily in-person availability with flexibility to work extended evening hours or weekends based on the Senate schedule throughout the session. Discretionary leave and personal vacations cannot be accommodated during the legislative session.
• Between Sessions (June-December: Work transitions to a more flexible schedule with one optional work-from-home day per week and reduced core hours.