Court Reporter Job at Whatcom County, WA in Bellingham

Salary: $47.11 Hourly
Location : Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: C940 1125
Department: Superior/Juvenile Court Administration
Opening Date: 11/17/2025
Closing Date: 1/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary: DOQ

Summary
Whatcom County Superior Court is seeking a skilled and reliable Court Reporter to join our team.

This position is responsible for creating and maintaining accurate, real-time records of court proceedings and ensuring timely transcript delivery in accordance with legal requirements. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, maintain professionalism in the courtroom, and possess strong technical and communication skills.

Whatcom County Superior Court is an independent branch of government and personnel employed under the judicial branch of government. The positions are in accordance with GR 29. Under GR 29, the Presiding Judge is responsible for the daily operations of the Court, which includes working conditions, hiring, discipline, and termination decisions.

Key Duties Include:

• Attend court proceedings and produce accurate, real-time verbatim transcripts
• Provide transcripts and rough drafts to judges as needed
• Maintain stenographic equipment, records, and databases in compliance with legal standards
• Collaborate with coworkers to ensure complete and consistent case records
• Respond to inquiries from court staff, legal professionals, and the public
• Meet required deadlines for transcript preparation
• Stay current on court reporting practices and maintain necessary certifications

Supervisor: Superior Court Judges

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

Visit the job description to view more details about this specific job.
Salary Range: Unrepresented- Range 801

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in General Studies, English, or a related field AND three years of progressively responsible experience in legal reporting

OR

Associate's degree in Court Reporting AND five years of progressively responsible experience in legal reporting

Desired:

• Certificate of completion from a court reporting program approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or equivalent
• Three to five years of recent and continuous court reporting experience across a variety of subject matters
• Strong writing, grammar, and transcription skills
• Proficiency in operating computerized stenographic equipment and court reporting software

To be considered for this position, please submit your certification along with your resume and cover letter.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Supplemental Information

• Must possess and maintain Washington State Certified Court Reporter (CCR) certification
• Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) or Registered Skilled Reporter (RSR) certification through NCRA
• Criminal justice background check must meet County criteria
• Must pass job-related testing
• Employee must provide and maintain court reporting and transcription equipment at own expense

Initial Review of Applicants will begin on December 8, 2025, and continue until this role is filled.
Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.
is truly special and a great place to call !
Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01

How many years of experience do you have providing real-time court reporting and preparing official transcripts?
02

This role requires consistent, reliable attendance in court and the ability to meet strict transcript deadlines. Can you share how you manage your workload and schedule under pressure?
03

Do you currently hold a Washington State Certified Court Reporter (CCR) license?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you currently hold a NCRA certification (RPR or RSR)?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you able to transcribe using a computerized stenographic machine at a minimum of 180-200 words per minute with a high level of accuracy?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you able to supply and maintain your own stenographic equipment and reporting software as required by this position?

• Yes
• No

Required Question