Certified Court Monitor (U) #00000335-23100, Full-Time, At-Will in Santa Fe, NM

First Judicial District Court, Santa Fe, NM – Full-time, at-will position.

About the role

Provides courtroom support and ensures an accurate, audible audio/digital recording of judicial proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and record judicial proceedings, including trials, hearings, and other court events.
• Operate and maintain audio/digital recording equipment, ensuring proper functionality.
• Document and time-stamp events by generating accurate logs of proceedings, appearances, and case notes.
• Verify recordings are audible and complete for appellate review, trial preparation, and order drafting.
• Gather, deliver, file, and receipt logs and exhibits, including hazardous or dangerous items (e.g., weapons, drugs, graphic materials).
• Troubleshoot and maintain courtroom technology, including recording systems, overhead projectors, ELMO, and Electronic Visual Evidence Presenters.
• Maintain and safeguard case materials, marking logs, files, and exhibits as public, sequestered, or sealed.
• Act as a liaison between court personnel, litigants, and attorneys to advance proceedings.
• Review court files, prepare for hearings, and retrieve relevant files from judges and clerks.
• Conduct research using computer retrieval systems.
• Train and certify/re-certify other monitors and employees.
• Travel to other locations to record hearings as needed.
• Draft and prepare orders, legal correspondence, and documents for judges.
• Process appeals for the Court of Appeals.
• Train on courtroom etiquette, FTR software, quick keys, entering exhibits, voir dire, and jury trial processes.
• Perform bailiff duties, such as announcing the judge’s entrance/departure and maintaining courtroom decorum.
• Prepare and mail recordings (e.g., CDs) for out-of-county or out-of-district proceedings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of diverse hearing types, including jury trials, domestic relations, domestic violence, child support, children’s court, mental health court, grand jury, criminal arraignments, and probation violations.
• Familiarity with legal abbreviations, terminology, and courtroom practices and procedures.
• Proficiency in digital recording and word processing software.
• Ability to distinguish between providing information and legal advice.
• Experience with filing systems and maintaining exhibits, including hazardous materials.
• Valid driver’s license; travel may be required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills for positive interaction with coworkers, clients, the public, judges, and justices.
• Ability to sit for long periods while focusing on proceedings amid distractions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of experience in court case processing, legal secretarial work, or a related field (e.g., administrative assistant, advanced customer service, data processing).
• Court Monitor Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Pay

$25.919 per hour or $53,911.52 annually.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• State-paid life insurance; optional supplemental and dependent life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical, day-care, and travel expenses.
• Paid time off (up to eight weeks).
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.
• Lifetime Defined Benefits Retirement Plan.
• Flexible work schedules and alternative work locations.
• Free healthcare, prescriptions, and lab work at the Stay Well Health Center in Santa Fe, NM.
• Bilingual compensation (varies by job classification).
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Higher education opportunities and educational leave.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Overtime, holiday, or shift differential pay (varies by classification).
• Physical fitness leave (varies by classification).