Court Clerk

About the Role

Seattle Municipal Court’s mission is to provide a respectful, independent, and impartial forum for resolving alleged violations of the law while advancing social‑justice issues and building a diverse workforce. The Clerk’s Office is seeking a short‑term temporary Court Clerk to support criminal and formal courtrooms, records management, and jury services.

Responsibilities

• Listen to, summarize, and record judicial actions or directives, including rulings, findings, pleas, and sentences.
• Prepare and file all forms, motions, and briefs correctly.
• Account for case files before hearings and ensure required documents (police reports, citations, violation history, arrest records, probation files, etc.) are assembled.
• Operate and host remote hearings.
• Respond to inquiries from court departments, agencies, defendants, attorneys, witnesses, and victims as directed by the judge.
• Summarize court proceedings for other court and city departments.
• Coordinate transportation and court supervision of in‑custody defendants, preparing and processing all documents for jail commitments and releases.
• Notify appropriate agencies of judicial orders or actions and distribute related information.
• Prepare, process, and explain sentencing documents to defendants.
• Maintain custody and care of jurors.
• Assist and cross‑train other court clerks in courtroom procedures.
• Perform other comparable duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a court clerk or in a closely related role, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately record and maintain database entries.
• Experience managing large, complex calendars and transcribing meeting minutes or other records.
• Proficiency handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Experience working with executives and the public, providing guidance on rules, policies, procedures, and/or laws.
• Intermediate proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, and database applications.

Salary

The hourly rate ranges from $37.73 to $43.93. New employees start at Step 1 of the pay progression ($37.73 per hour).

Schedule

This full‑time position requires 40 hours per week, working onsite in downtown Seattle. Court clerks must be able to work any shift Monday through Saturday and on holidays, and maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Telework or hybrid schedules are not available.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. Detailed information is available on the City’s website.

Additional Information

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City seeks candidates who share its commitment to ending institutional and structural racism and who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative. A background check—including criminal‑history review, fingerprinting, and reference checks—is required. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview; a job offer is contingent upon successful completion of the background check.