Federal

Official Court Reporter

U.S. Courts ยท Judicial Branch
๐Ÿ“ Beaumont, Texas CR-1/4 $94,510 - $108,686/yr
Posted: May 5, 2025 Deadline: May 4, 2026 (Closes in 78 days days left)

About This Position

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas is a public service organization focused on providing exceptional customer service to the court, members of the legal community and the general public. Currently, we are seeking an innovative and experienced individual to serve as an Official Court Reporter for the U.S. District Court. There are seven offices within the Eastern District of Texas: Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler.

Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications for level 1: Candidate must possess at least four years of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts, or a combination thereof; must have passed the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Examination administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passed an equivalent qualifying examination. For pay levels above level 1, the candidate must meet qualifications for level 1 and the following: Level 2- Must possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA. Level 3- Must have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or an equivalent exam. Level 4- Must (1) possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA and (2) have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or equivalent exam. Realtime certification is preferred, however, candidates capable of providing simultaneous reporting who are actively working toward Realtime certification will also be considered.

Major Duties

Official Court Reporters must be familiar with and adhere to all requirements of the Court Reporter Management Plan for the district. They work as part of a team of reporters on a regular tour of duty that requires their presence in the courthouse during core working hours of a minimum of eighty (80) hours per period. Extended court hours and occasional travel to cover court proceedings at other divisional offices within the district are occasionally required. Duties include: Attend proceedings held before judicial officers in court and in chambers and provide verbatim reporting utilizing own equipment, which must be compatible with the court's equipment. Knowledge, skill and ability to read back the court record, produce accurate simultaneous transcription utilizing computer-aided translation, and perform well under pressure. Produce transcription of proceedings upon request, within strict time limitations, and in compliance with the Judicial Conference's billing and transcript format requirements. Deliver or mail official transcripts prepared and file with the Clerk of Court original records and a copy of transcripts prepared. Respond timely to official correspondence and comply with other administrative duties required of official court reporters. Maintain accurate and legible records that are subject to audits and prepare and file all reports required by the Administrative Office

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States. All application information is subject to verification. The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment and will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the background check. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Federal Judicial Employees. This position is subject to mandatory electronic funds transfer for payroll direct deposit.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required minimum qualifications for level 1: Candidate must possess at least four years of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts, or a combination thereof; must have passed the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Examination administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or passed an equivalent qualifying examination. For pay levels above level 1, the candidate must meet qualifications for level 1 and the following: Level 2- Must possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA. Level 3- Must have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or an equivalent exam. Level 4- Must (1) possess a Registered Merit Reporter Certificate from the NCRA and (2) have successfully completed the Certified Realtime Reporter exam offered by the NCRA or equivalent exam. Realtime certification is preferred, however, candidates capable of providing simultaneous reporting who are actively working toward Realtime certification will also be considered.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of your background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (questions 19, 20, and 21 completed), and a resume. The cover letter should be addressed to: Diana Velez, Human Resources Manager William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse 211 West Ferguson Street, Room 106 Tyler, Texas 75702 An application form can be obtained on our web page at: http://www.txed.uscourts.gov/ . All documents should be submitted as a single pdf with the reference number (2025-5 Official Court Reporter) in the subject line via e-mail to: [email protected]. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be screened for qualifications and only the most qualified applicants will be contacted and selected for a personal interview. Skill and knowledge testing may be administered to candidates who progress beyond the initial interview process. Expenses associated with interviews or relocation will not be reimbursed.

Required Documents

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter (including a narrative statement of your background), a Judicial Branch Federal Employment (AO 78) application with Optional Background Information (questions 19, 20, and 21 completed), and a resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Official Court Reporter position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $94,510 - $108,686/yr. This is a CR-1/4 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Official Court Reporter job located?
This position is located in Beaumont, Texas. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Required minimum qualifications for level 1: Candidate must possess at least four years of prime court reporting experience in the freelance field of service or in other courts, or a combination thereof; must have passed the Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Examination administered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or pass...
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 May 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does CR-1/4 mean?
CR-1/4 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.