Job Description
Salary : $65,291.20 - $104,291.20 Annually
Location : Council Bluffs - 51501 - Pottawattamie County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00861
Agency: 444 Judicial
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: olivia.smith@iowacourts.gov
To Apply: Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.
Job Description The Iowa Judicial Branch in District 4 seeks applicants for Certified Court Reporters to record court proceedings and provide official transcripts for the following counties in District 4: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby
This position will provide official court records for court proceedings and ensure the integrity of court records and official transcripts. This position will create verbatim records to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe court proceedings and testimony. This position will transcribe shorthand records and notes into certified transcripts in accordance with Iowa Court Rules. This position will maintain shorthand reporter certification in accordance with Iowa Court Rules Chapter 46 and complete the required continuing education.
The successful candidate will be able to take notes in shorthand by stenotype, or use a closed microphone voice dictation silencer, steno mask, or similar device to record verbatim court procedures. This position will have the ability to professionally communicate with a variety of court users. The successful candidate will have keen attention to detail to maintain the accuracy and integrity of court records. This position must travel to other counties within the judicial district to record court proceedings as assigned.
What's in it for you:
- Collaborative, positive professional work environment
- Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
- Excellent benefits package
- Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
- Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) plan
- Employee discount program
- Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program?
The pay range for this position is $31.39 - $50.14per hour. This is a contract-covered, FLSA non-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.
Position classification is determined as the 'best fit' of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Court Reporter as summarized below.
Summary Create verbatim records in shorthand to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe court testimony and proceedings.?
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities ??
- Create verbatim records of testimony and proceedings by shorthand recording methods as required in accordance with Iowa Code §642.9 and Iowa Court Rules.
- Mark, record, maintain, and secure exhibits during court proceedings.
- Transcribe shorthand records and notes into certified transcripts per Iowa Court Rules. File legible notes and certified transcripts of proceedings and dispositions with the court clerk's office.
- Perform clerical duties for the judicial officer, which may include preparing jury instructions, orders, opinions, correspondence, or other court-related documents.
- Maintain shorthand reporter certification by Iowa Court Rules Chapter 46 and complete continuing education requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Ability to take notes in shorthand, use a stenotype, or use a closed microphone voice dictation silencer, steno mask, or similar device.
- Knowledge of court procedures, rules, and policies.
- Knowledge of legal and medical terminology.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Ability to give full attention and concentration over a long period.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and secure confidential information.
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.?
- Attention to detail.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel.
The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to and click on the Careers page.
Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Iowa Council 61, AFL-CIO (AFSCME).
This is a non-merit position?with the Iowa Judicial Branch. ?Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.?
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
Minimum Qualification Requirements The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.?
- High school diploma (or high school equivalency diploma); and
- Must have one of the following:
- Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) from the National Court Reporters Association.?
- Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) from the National Verbatim Reporters Association.
- Completed a court reporter program.
Additional Information Must obtain an Iowa Certified Shorthand Reporter license within one year of employment. Current certification must be maintained.?
A court reporter will purchase and maintain court reporting stenotype machines and/or verbatim recording equipment and appropriate software. ?
Additional Qualification Requirements Preferred Qualifications - Experience with court or legal process or terminology.
- Experience with accurate record keeping.
- Professional verbal and written communication experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Word
- Experience with Microsoft Outlook
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch.
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLYHave you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. S611 et seq?
03
Please explain any gaps in your employment history?
04
Have you ever received a disciplinary suspension, been asked to resign, or discharged from a job? If yes please explain below.
05
What is your minimum salary requirement?
06
Your application for employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch will generally be treated as confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7(18). However, if you consent to allow Judicial to treat it as a public record per Iowa Code section 22.7(18)(a), please check "Yes, I consent" below.
07
List any professional licenses you hold:
08
Current Iowa Judicial Branch Employees ONLY: Have you completed the Iowa Judicial Branch LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certification?
09
Applicants with international degrees: Have you attached an international education equivalency verification document? We highly recommend for further consideration.
- I have attached an international education equivalency verification document
- I have not attached an international education equivalency verification document
- Not Applicable
10
Are you related to or do you have a close personal relationship with any current employee? If so, please identify the individual and department.
11
This role requires regular, in-person work. Are you willing to commute or relocate, if necessary, to fulfill this requirement?"
Required Question
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Relocation