Official Reporter of Debates

US SENATE; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Senate seeks an Official Reporter of Debates to transcribe debates and official proceedings with precision. The role requires extensive knowledge of parliamentary procedure, strong English skills, and the ability to operate stenographic and transcription equipment.

Candidates should hold a state court reporter or NCRA certification with 7+ years of professional field experience and be prepared to travel as needed. Proficiency in CaseCatalyst is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and either state court reporter or NCRA certification with 7+ years of field experience.
• Ability to report proceedings accurately while conforming to parliamentary procedure.
• Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of Senate rules and decorum on the Senate floor.

Responsibilities

• Accurately transcribe debates and official proceedings.
• Ensure transcript conforms to parliamentary procedure and Senate decorum.
• Operate stenographic and transcription equipment and use CaseCatalyst software.

Skills

Stenography

Parliamentary procedure

English grammar

CaseCatalyst

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

State court reporter certification

NCRA certification

7+ years field experience

RMR/RDR/CRR preferred

Tools

CaseCatalyst software

Stenographic equipment

Transcription software

Job description

The Secretary of the Senate's Official Reporters of Debates is seeking an Official Reporter of Debates.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment and on the Senate floor with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, prolonged standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds with the use of a shoulder harness and tray; extensive reading and computer use; regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. This position is tied to the Senate Floor schedule and requires working extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by the Senate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Work requires a high school diploma and either state court reporter certification or National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) certification with a minimum of seven years of professional field experience; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution, Senate procedures and organization, congressional documents/terminology, and the legislative process preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the history and operation of the Senate.
• Knowledge of parliamentary procedure and ability to report proceedings accurately while ensuring material conforms to parliamentary procedure.
• Knowledge of American history and current events.
• Knowledge of English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of Senate rules and protocol regarding order and decorum in and around the Senate floor.
• Skill in the operation and use of stenographic and transcription equipment.
• Knowledge of CaseCatalyst software preferred; ability to learn CaseCatalyst software required.
• Ability to listen and write for continuity, sense, and detail while walking or standing withstenographic equipment.
• Ability to quickly and accurately identify Senators by sight and voice.
• Ability to retain and quickly recall information.
• Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by the Senate schedule.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to travel and work inside or outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, in the event of an emergency that requires relocation of the Senate.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

State court reporter or NCRA certification required, with the following three certifications preferred: Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR), or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR).