Nevada County Court

Distinguishing Characteristics 

Incumbents work under general supervision to perform duties that are well defined and in accordance with preestablished policies, procedures and standards. Incumbents must maintain confidentiality and must use sound judgment in performing court-related duties. Errors in work or judgment could result in inefficient operations of the court, improper and incorrect recording of legal proceedings and could affect the outcomes of a trial or appeal. Incumbents have no responsibility for leading or supervising the work of others. 

Essential Duties 

• Records and reports verbatim testimony and court proceedings utilizing accepted methods of machine shorthand.
• Researches and reviews planned calendars of court proceedings; coordinates and ensures coverage; identifies and addresses potential scheduling conflicts; informs and alerts judges, clerks and Court administrators.  
• Prepares and reads back all or portions of the official court proceedings upon instruction from the judge. 
• Prepares certified transcripts of proceedings. 
• Prioritizes requests for transcripts in order to meet legal deadlines. 
• Prepares printed and/or magnetic media transcripts using computer-aided transcription software. 
• Organizes, maintains and destroys a variety of electronic and paper files. 
• Keeps accurate records related to files, storage and billing. 
• Obtains and pays for supplies and maintenance of reporter’s own equipment. 
• Uses reference materials for accurate spelling of medical, technical and other specialized vocabulary. 
• Maintains current knowledge of regulations related to court reporting; 
• Performs other duties as required.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, statutes and rules relating to court reporting services. 
• Knowledge of complex legal, medical, technical and administrative terminology and procedures. 
• Court procedures and protocol.   
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. 
• Techniques and procedures for use of machine shorthand equipment. 

Ability to: 

• Take machine shorthand at the speed and accuracy specified for licensing by the State of California.
• Make a verbatim record of court proceedings, often of a technical nature.
• Attend to and distinguish multiple voices.
• Read back the record in open court.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Understand and follow complex oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Transcribe accurately from shorthand recordings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

Any combination of experience and education or training that is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above would be:   

• High School diploma or equivalent GED. 
• Certification by the State of California as a Certified Shorthand Reporter or Certified Court Reporter; and  
• Two years general reporting experience or one year in a trial court in the State of California.  

Additional Requirements: