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Policy Reporter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General policies and procedures of Court operations. * Sufficient legal terminology necessary to ... Reporter (CSR) license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Court Reporter ...

Court Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Reimbursed at actual cost up to $500 per calendar year for member cost of registration for the California Court Reporters Association (CCRA) annual convention. • Educational Assistance Policy: Up ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

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Showing results 1-20

Policy Reporter information

See California salary details

$14.8K

$41.8K

$76.5K

How much do policy reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy reporter in California is $41,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,600.00 and $48,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy reporter do?

A Policy Reporter is a journalist who specializes in covering issues related to government policies, regulations, and public affairs. They research, investigate, and report on legislative developments, policy changes, and their impact on society. Policy Reporters often interview policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to provide balanced and informative news coverage. Their work helps inform the public and influence discussions around important policy topics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a policy reporter?

To thrive as a Policy Reporter, you need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, data visualization tools, and newsroom software is often required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, curiosity, and the ability to distill complex policy issues for diverse audiences are standout soft skills. These capabilities are essential for producing accurate, insightful reporting that informs the public and influences policy discussions.

How does a policy reporter collaborate with government officials and subject matter experts?

Policy Reporters frequently interact with government officials, public relations teams, and subject matter experts to gather reliable information and provide context for their stories. This collaboration often involves attending press briefings, conducting interviews, and verifying statements to ensure accurate and balanced reporting. Building trustful relationships and maintaining professionalism are key, as these connections help reporters access timely insights and clarify complex policy details. Effective communication and a strong ethical approach are essential to navigate sensitive topics and provide readers with clear, factual news.

What is the difference between Policy Reporter vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy ReporterPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; knowledge of policy issuesBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, news agencies, or online platformsGovernment agencies, think tanks, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on reporting and communicating policy developmentsFocuses on analyzing, evaluating, and developing policy options

Policy Reporters primarily gather and communicate policy news to the public through media channels, while Policy Analysts evaluate and develop policy options for organizations or government bodies. Both roles require strong understanding of policy issues, but differ in their focus—reporting versus analysis.

What job categories do people searching Policy Reporter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Reporter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Policy Reporter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Policy Reporter job openings:

Infographic showing various Policy Reporter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,823 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$102K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary : $102,794.00 - $124,947.00 Annually
Location : All Court Locations, CA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 90667-1119-01
Department: Court Reporters
Opening Date: 11/14/2019
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
ALWAYS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOICE WRITERS
The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin is accepting applications for full-time and part-time Court Reporter. The Court Reporter performs court reporting services for all business of the Superior Court; receives general supervision from the Court Reporter Supervisor, and exercises no direct supervision over staff.
This class is responsible for providing a verbatim record of court proceedings using machine shorthand or voice writing technology, and providing readback of all or portions of the record upon request. Incumbents in this classification are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to court reporting, while working with a high degree of independent judgment, tact, and initiative. This class is distinguished from the Court Reporter Supervisor in that the latter provides supervision to a group of Court Reporters, and it requires additional court reporting experience.
VOICE WRITERS:
Now accepting applications for voice writers.
SIGNING INCENTIVE:
Full-time positions: $10,000: ($5,000 upon hire and $5,000 after 1st year).
Part-time positions: $5,000: ($2,500 upon hire and $2,500 after 1st year).
REAL TIME REPORTING DIFFERENTIAL:
10% for national certification, or for passing the Certified Real time Generalist exam.
3% f
or non-certified Court Reporters who pass a state readability exam or other court sanctioned exam.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE:
Full time Positions: 80 hours per fiscal year.
Part-time Positions: 40 hours per fiscal year
Typical Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Attends sessions of the Court; creates verbatim official records of court proceedings using machine shorthand or voice writing technology; provides readback of portions of the record at the request of the Court.
  • Qualified incumbents may process court information/proceedings by use of realtime technology.
  • Utilizes computer aided transcription tools in order to prepare transcripts in all cases.
  • Organizes, files, stores, preserves, and delivers reporting notes as official records of the Court in accordance with Government Code 69955; prepares certified transcripts as requested by judicial officers, attorneys, and the public in a timely manner.
  • Provides reporting services to the District Attorney's office as needed.
  • Researches and verifies case citations, spelling of legal, medical, and other specialized terms used in cases as needed.
  • Operates a variety of standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications, printers, facsimile machines, and transcription equipment.
  • Stays abreast of current trends, technology, and legislation in the field of court reporting.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to the completion of an accredited course in court reporting, no prior experience required.
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession of a valid Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Court Reporters Board of California for either shorthand reporting or voice writing.
  • Realtime reporting is highly desirable. In order to receive the differential, incumbents must be Realtime-certified by either the National Court Reporters Association, or the Deposition Reporters Association, or have successfully passed a Realtime test administered by the Court.
Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of court reporting.
  • General policies and procedures of Court operations.
  • Sufficient legal terminology necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
  • Procedures, methods, and practices involved in creating, processing, typing, formatting, and filing court transcripts.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to court reporting and/or voice writing and transcription.
  • Record-keeping principles and procedures.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public and Court staff.

Ability to:
  • Operate a stenotype machine or voice writing equipment.
  • Perform court reporting work with accuracy and speed.
  • Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple deadlines and transcript requests.
  • Provide a realtime feed of court proceedings at the request of the Court.
  • Report at speeds at a minimum of 200 WPM.
  • Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work. Travel to various Court sites.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, discretion, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in an indoor setting, operate and maintain stenotype machine or voice writing equipment as well as standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read and proofread printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to distinguish words of various tones and volumes and to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary classification with requirements to sit and record verbatim testimony with competing background noise and frequent distractions and interactions; standing and walking between work areas is required. Fine hand coordination and finger dexterity utilizing a continuous repetitive motion for extended periods of time on a daily basis is needed to enter and retrieve data using a stenotype machine and a computer keyboard. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an indoor environment with varying noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in executing their duties.
Benefits include: 14 paid holidays per year; 12 days sick leave per year (no limit to accumulation), 10 days vacation each year (15 days after 3 years, 20 days after 10 years, 23 days after 20 years, and 25 days after 25 years). Accruals for part-time positions are based on hours worked. 80 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for full-time positions and 40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for part-time positions, pro-rated based on start date. Participation in the San Joaquin County 1937 Act Retirement Plan. Choice of health and dental insurance plans and a vision plan, with the court paying for the employee and a portion of the dependents cost, and a fully paid life insurance policy for full-time positions; Choice of health and dental insurance plans and a vision plan, with the court paying for the employee only portion for part-time positions. Options available for additional life insurance and a deferred compensation plan.
01
Do you have a valid Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Court Reporter's Board of California for either shorthand reporting or voice writing? If so, please attach a copy of your certificate.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Did a current San Joaquin Court employee refer you to this position?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If yes, what is the name of the employee?
Required Question