About This Position
The United States District Court for the District of Arizona is accepting applications from qualified candidates for a full-time Magistrate Judge Courtroom Clerk position to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The position is located in the Clerk's Office in Phoenix, Arizona. You must be a self-starter, extremely detail-oriented, and possess strong organizational and communication skills.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of specialized experience, one year of which must be equivalent to work at the CL-25. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations, directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry or report generation. Such experience is commonly encountered in law firms, legal counsel offices, courts of general jurisdiction, and banking and credit firms. The qualified applicant would possess exceptional writing skills to include excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proofreading and skill in using applicable automated systems to include current versions of Adobe Acrobat, Word, Outlook and Windows. They should also be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people; have the ability to analyze information and reach sound conclusions; work under pressure and deal with change; possess the work experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to successfully manage multiple priorities; work with limited supervision; and skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference may be given to applicants who have: Courtroom experience in a similar position. A bachelor's degree. Ability to meet and communicate effectively with a variety of people. Skill in using applicable automated systems. Experience which reflects the applicant's ability to work under pressure and deal with change. Experience with current versions of Adobe Acrobat, Word, Outlook, and Windows. Work experience that demonstrates the applicant's ability to successfully manage multiple priorities, work with limited supervision, and skill in dealing with others in person-to- person work relationships.
Major Duties
Manages a judge's caseload and provides courtroom and other assistance through management of court calendars, attending court proceedings, recording pertinent results for minutes and preparing judgments. Sets-up equipment to record court proceedings, ensures clear recording is acquired throughout the proceedings, maintains an automated log, and plays back portions of the proceedings as required. Monitors filings to ensure compliance with rules and procedures, and reviews cases or reports for necessary action. Drafts and prepares orders for the judge's review and makes entries on the court's electronic filing system. Attends to courtroom duties for district judges, magistrate judges, or visiting judges in the district as assigned by the Clerk of Court or his designee. May be required to work in excess of normal duty hours without additional compensation and must be able to attend court proceedings that go past the incumbent's normal work hours. Travel that requires overnight lodging may be required for attending court hearings and trials set in Tucson, Yuma, Prescott, or Flagstaff, or any other location in the state that may be designated as a place of holding court.
Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B). In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as explained below. Under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so. Background investigation is required. The initial appointment to this position is provisional pending the successful completion of the required background checks and/or investigations. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials or the inability to meet the following conditions may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed. Pre-employment drug test is required. The U.S. District Court is a drug-free workplace and the applicant selected will be required to participate in a drug screening test prior to employment.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Complete applications will be reviewed based on Judiciary qualification standards. Applicants selected for interview will be evaluated based upon the question responses they provide during the structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions, the applicant should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what they did, and the outcome.
Additional Information
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Employees of the U.S. District Court serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). Federal Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to substantially the same benefits as other Federal Government employees. Participation in the interview process will be at the applicant's own expense and relocation expenses will not be provided. All promotions are subject to the approval of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The position is subject to the mandatory electronic fund transfer (EFT) participation for payment of net pay (i.e. Direct Deposit). The U.S. District Court, District of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply
Please visit our website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/azduscourts to submit an online application, including the items listed above. Applications are only accepted on our website. Attachments should be submitted only as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents. Other formats are not acceptable. Applications will be considered complete when the online application and all required attachments (in proper format) are received by the Human Resources Division. Applications and/or attachments received after the closing date may not be considered. Open until filled with preference given to applications received by February 13, 2026.
Required Documents
Cover letter that supports your work experience as it relates to the position. Resume that includes complete work and salary history, and education. Your two most recent performance evaluations (strongly preferred). Letters of recommendation may be substituted if no evaluation is available. One letter of recommendation must be from a current or recent supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Magistrate Judge Courtroom Clerk position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $56,876 - $92,435/yr. This is a CL-26 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Magistrate Judge Courtroom Clerk job located?
This position is located in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of specialized experience, one year of which must be equivalent to work at the CL-25. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures that demonstrate t...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 13, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does CL-26 mean?
CL-26 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.