Court Reporter-Steno & Electronic

State of Montana; North Dakota; On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Montana Judicial Branch is seeking two Official Court Reporters (one Steno, one Electronic) in Billings, MT. The positions begin January 2, 2026 and require capturing verbatim court records using stenography or computerized recording tools. Travel up to 5% may be required.

Preferred candidates include graduates of NCRA-approved programs or certified reporters (RPR/CRR); training and ongoing CEUs are supported. Benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Preference given to graduates of a post secondary court reporting (Stenography) program approved by the NCRA and the Montana Supreme Court.
• Experience as an official court reporter in a courtroom setting is preferred, but new court-reporting graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Relevant experience may substitute for prior stenography program completion where the candidate can demonstrate excellent typing skills, ability to operate and troubleshoot computerized recording systems, ability to produce transcripts, and understanding of court procedures.
• Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Certification and Realtime Reporter (CRR) Certification maintained by continuing education per NCRA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-5-603, capture and preserve a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment or a stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription software.
• Set up equipment, conduct sound checks, monitor operation of recording equipment or stenograph machine in courtroom, conference rooms, judge's chambers, or other locations as directed by the judge.
• Maintain a complete record of all verbal communications to provide an intelligible record including nonverbal incidents in the proceedings.
• Remind parties to speak clearly and one at a time to ensure the integrity of verbatim record.
• During proceedings, locate and read or play back portions of proceedings upon request of the judge or litigants.
• Maintain concentration and attentiveness throughout proceedings despite disruptions.
• Utilize computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts.
• Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts.
• Provide court reporter coverage for other judges within the district and for proceedings held in the district; stay current on computerized court reporting technology.
• Communicate with litigants and the public regarding requests for official transcripts.
• Provide administrative support as assigned by the judge.

Education

Post secondary court reporting (Stenography) program approved by NCRA and Montana Supreme Court

Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Certification

Verified Realtime Reporter (CRR) Certification

Continuing education units per NCRA

Tools

Stenograph machine

Computer-aided transcription software

Job description

The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community, and further your career. As a service-oriented employer, we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission t o provide an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.

Benefits of working for the Judicial Branch:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

Position Overview:

• Technical work as an Official Court Reporter for the 13th Judicial District in Billings, MT.
• Position will start January 2nd, 2026.
• Filling two court reporter positions, one Steno, one Electronic.

Job Duties:

• Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 3-5-603, solely responsible for capturing and preserving a verbatim record of court proceedings using computerized recording equipment or a stenograph machine and computer-aided transcription software.
• Set up equipment, conduct sound check, monitor operation of an dismantle recording equipment or stenograph machine in courtroom, conference rooms, judge's chambers, or other locations as directed by the judge.
• Maintain a complete record of all verbal communications an to provide an intelligible record including nonverbal incidents in the proceedings.
• Remind parties, as necessary, to speak clearly and on at a time to ensure the integrity of verbatim record.
• During proceedings, upon request of the judge or litigants, locate and read or play back portions of proceedings
• Maintain a high level of concentration and attentiveness throughout all court proceedings, regardless of disruptions and other unpredictable and adverse conditions.
• Utilize computer equipment and software for preparation of transcripts.
• Transcribe, proofread, certify, and distribute official transcripts.
• Provide court reporter coverage for other judges within assigned district and other judges sitting on proceedings held in assigned district. Remain current on computerized court reporting technology.
• Communicate with litigants and public regarding requests for official transcripts.
• Provide administrative support as assigned by the judge.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in a courtroom, hearing room, conference room, judge's chambers, officer setting, or recorded by Zoom or another electronic audio - visual platform. May include travel assignments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Preference given to graduates of a post secondary court reporting (Stenography) program approved by the NCRA and the Montana Supreme Court.
• Experience as an official court reporter in a courtroom settings is preferred, but new court-reporting graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Relevant experience may substitute for prior stenography program completion where the candidate can demonstrate excellent typing skills, ability to operate and troubleshoot computerized recording systems, ability to produce transcripts, and understanding of court procedures.
• Preferred but not required- Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) Certification and Verified Realtime Reporter (CRR) Certification , Maintained by obtaining required continuing education units, in accordance with certification guidelines established by NCRA

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary: $31.68 - 31.68 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 2

Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location: Billings Agency : Judicial Branch Union : 000 - None

Posting Date: Jul 21, 2026, 3:59:17 PM

Closing Date: Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume, References

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.