Court Operations Associate - Dakota County District Court - Scheduling

The First Judicial District is seeking qualified applicants for a customer-focused and team-oriented Court Operations Associate to join the Scheduling/Jury Division of the Dakota County Court Administration team at the Dakota County Judicial Center in Hastings, MN.

This Court Operations Associate will have the primary responsibility for coordination of scheduling hearing and courtrooms, with extensive back-up duties in jury management. This position may process cases while providing exceptional customer service on the phone and in person. This position will work directly with judges, juries, the public and justice partners. Duties require the application of independent judgment and the interpretation of established laws, policies, procedures, regulations based on training and knowledge gained through experience on the job.

The primary work location is in the Scheduling/Jury Division of the Dakota County Judicial Center, 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. Reimbursable travel to and work at other Dakota County Court facilities may be required, including the Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, MN 55118 and the Dakota County Western Service Center, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Standard hours of work are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. 

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and optional benefits and paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. 

The following are examples of major job duties expected of this position: 

• Coordinates the scheduling of hearings and courtrooms, taking into consideration the complexity of cases, number of cases and attorneys and required time factors.  Works out conflicts concerning dates and length of time required. Schedules and maintains court calendars; assigns cases to regularly scheduled calendars; prepares and maintains trial calendars; updates, reschedules, and reassigns cases as necessary and notifies parties and attorneys.
• Provides jury services to the county by coordinating juror activity, summoning, orientating and processing requests for postponements, excusal, disqualification and requests for information while working in the jury management database.
• Works with management concerning the availability of judges or court officials, the size and creation of calendars; may meet with judge to set cases for trial.  Tracks cases assigned to various judges and monitors the availability of judges or court officials for future assignments.
• Performs the full range of court operations work within an assigned unit, which may include case processing in the areas of probate, jury, conciliation, traffic, criminal, civil, juvenile and/or family, using electronic case processing system and related applications and equipment. Attends and participates in division/team meetings and trainings; maintains knowledge of court policies, process, and procedures.
• Initiates case records using electronic means or paper documents; records required data regarding parties, documents, flags, comments, events, and dispositions in case processing system and other relevant systems; notifies relevant individuals about missing information, documents, or non-compliant legal forms.
• Provides assistance to attorneys, parties, self-represented litigants, judges, and the public by responding to a variety of questions in-person, over the phone, by mail, and/or electronically; provides forms, documents, and court procedure information; assists public in filling out various applications and forms; checks people in for court; refers new or complex questions to higher level staff.
• May perform the duties of an Electronic Recording Equipment Operator (EREO) including setting up and testing recording equipment, recording and monitoring court proceedings, creating courtroom log as necessary, backing up recordings in compliance with applicable policies and procedures, and shutting down recording equipment once recording has been completed. Utilizes applicable technology (i.e., operating and information systems and/or programs) and office equipment to perform and complete work assignments.

What You Must Have   

The Minnesota Judicial Branch recognizes the diverse set of skills, strengths, and attributes that an individual may bring into a role. If you have any combination of the experience, training, and education required for this position, apply today!

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of recent experience in the legal field or highly technical, customer focused, administrative, office, or clerical work

Nice to Have 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Business Administration or a related field
• Experience working in the legal field or court setting
• Ex