Deputy Court Clerk-Magistrate I

Unified Judicial System, Third Judicial Circuit · Watertown, SD · $20.22/hour · Closes October 30, 2026 · $500 new hire incentive

About the role

This position assists with cases filed with the court clerk's office including criminal, civil, traffic, and other cases from initial filing to final disposition by developing and maintaining case files, assisting with scheduling and assigning hearings, assisting in court room proceedings, and implementing procedures for monetary dispositions; provides customer services daily to a wide variety of individuals and agencies; performs magistrate duties as assigned; and acts on behalf of the court clerk in his or her absence.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining case files for criminal, civil, traffic, and other cases from initial to final disposition in accordance with established procedures and designated timelines
• Assisting in maintaining court calendars by scheduling hearings according to procedures
• Providing customer service in many different ways to many different people by providing information about the court's protocols and procedures to make sure they receive correct information
• Providing assistance in courtrooms by maintaining case files and minutes of proceedings; handling in-court exhibits; empaneling juries; recording proceedings; being responsible for sound and video equipment; and providing court interpretive services when needed to facilitate processes of the court
• Performing clerk magistrate duties as assigned to assist the circuit court in disposing of civil actions and to provide direct court contact for average citizens
• Performing other work as assigned

Requirements

High school diploma or GED certificate and one year of general clerical experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Upon hire, the successful applicant must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of South Dakota, and a voting resident within the circuit (SD Const. Art. V, §6). Successful completion of a criminal background investigation is required.

Skills

Knowledge of

• Court processes and procedures
• Legal terminology
• General office and bookkeeping practices

Skill in

• Time management
• Organization
• Customer service

Ability to

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Learn on the job using written manuals and learn from context
• Listen and understand
• Work independently
• Recognize and defuse escalating situations with customers and staff
• Use computers and related software systems proficiently
• Multi-task and adapt quickly to change
• Prioritize work activities to ensure most important items are done first

Benefits

• 11–13 paid holidays per year
• Extensive sick and vacation leave
• Paid family leave
• Military training leave
• Health and flexible benefits
• Regular working hours
• Continuing education opportunities
• Retirement benefits

Pay

$20.22 per hour