Court Officer I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 62,996 - 85,151; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hiring a Court Officer I to ensure security at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston. This position involves maintaining order, overseeing security screenings, and responding to emergencies. Candidates should have a high school diploma, relevant experience in law enforcement, and pass required exams.

With a salary range of $62,996.98 to $85,151.26 yearly, this full-time role does not include a hybrid work schedule. The successful candidate will work closely with court personnel and the public to ensure a safe judicial environment.

Qualifications

• Must have received a passing score on the Massachusetts Court Officer Entry Exam.
• Successfully completed a Physical Abilities Test.
• At least two years of work experience in criminal justice, security, or law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Maintain order in and around the John Adams Courthouse.
• Provide security presence and screen individuals entering the courthouse.
• Patrol assigned areas and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Respect and courtesy

Calmness under stress

Effective communication

Ability to multi-task

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description - Court Officer I (260004QB)

Supreme Judicial Court Job Opportunity

Court Officer I

This posting will remain open until filled, but consideration of candidates will begin as of July 20, 2026

To Apply please send all documents listed under "Applications Requirement" to [e-mail]

To promote the rule of law and foster public trust by leading an independent judiciary that assures every person equal access to the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes in courts managed with efficiency and professionalism.

Position Summary

Court Officers for the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) are responsible for maintaining order in and around the John Adams Courthouse and for protecting all who utilize the courthouse.

Reporting directly to the SJC’s Chief Court Officer, Court Officers protect and safeguard courtrooms, grounds, buildings, justices, court personnel, and the public on the courthouse premises.

Court Officers enforce all judicial orders and city, state and federal laws and ordinances as appropriate.

Major Duties

• Protect and safeguard the John Adams Courthouse, grounds, justices, court personnel, and the public;
• Provide a visual security presence at entrances/security screening stations and throughout the building; screen persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband; operate metal detectors and x‑ray machines to perform the screening functions;
• Patrol assigned areas, making periodic rounds and security checks of the courthouse and grounds;
• Respond to fire alarms, disturbances, courtroom incidents, and accidents and prepare detailed reports on such occurrences;
• Respond to medical emergencies and render aid when necessary;
• Take steps to effectively control emergency situations by summonsing assistance, taking appropriate action in disruptive situations, managing traffic in the courthouse, and participating in searches of the court premises;
• Assist in building evacuations, re‑entry procedures, and crowd control as necessary;
• Exercise arrest powers, when warranted;
• Maintain security logs and perform equipment checks as directed;
• Monitor CCTV cameras to ensure safety of court personnel and the public;
• Successfully complete all court officer training programs required by the SJC;
• Comply with all SJC Court policies, Security Department policies and procedures, and state and federal laws;
• Facilitate the opening, sorting, scanning, when necessary, and delivery, of mail to the various offices and departments of the SJC and other court departments;
• Some heavy lifting is required including moving furniture, office equipment and supplies as needed;
• Provide assistance, as needed, for set up and break down of courthouse events, which may include moving furniture and equipment;
• Provide security and other related assistance at off‑site SJC sittings, conferences and events;
• Escort prisoners from the holding area to the courtroom or other designated areas at the direction of the Chief Court Officer;
• Transport exhibits to and from various courthouses at the direction of the Chief Court Officer; and
• Perform other related duties as required by the Chief Justice, the Executive Director or Chief Court Officer.

Physical Exam

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to pass a physical exam that may include drug screening.

Position Grade: SJC Court Officer 1, with a salary range from $62,996.98 (Step 1) to $85,151.26 (Step 7).

Consideration of candidates will begin as of July 20, 2026.

The Supreme Judicial Court is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent; Associate’s degree preferred
• Must have received a passing score on the Massachusetts Court Officer Entry Exam, successfully completed a Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and graduated from the Massachusetts Court Officer Academy
• At least two years of work experience in criminal justice, security, law enforcement, or a related field

Required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

• Ability to demonstrate respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and discretion in dealing with court personnel and the public;
• Ability to interact calmly with individuals who are under physical and emotional stress;
• Ability to understand and adhere to all policies and procedures of Court Officers and the SJC;
• Ability to meet and maintain physical fitness to perform Court Officer duties, including but not limited to, standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs. and responding to disturbances;
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare detailed security reports and to maintain security logs;
• Ability to work dependably and professionally with co‑workers, supervisor, justices, court personnel, and the public;
• Ability to multi‑task in a fast‑paced and stressful environment;
• Ability to travel within the Commonwealth when necessary;
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the SJC; and
• Some formal training in self‑defense preferred.

Residency

By law, only residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may serve as employees of the judicial branch.

Key Details

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-John Adams Court House

Job: Public Safety

Agency:

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Jul 1, 2026, 6:37:49 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 62,996.98 - 85,151.26 Yearly

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No

If you have Diversity, affirmative action, or equal employment opportunity questions or need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Blanca Tosado - 6175571000