Courtroom Technology Assistant - Bangor

in County, ME

Job Description

The Job:    

            This position provides and performs a variety of services associated with the use of technology in courtroom operations.  These responsibilities include the recording, monitoring and logging of court proceedings on digital or analog electronic recording; and the courtroom operation of video equipment (such as television monitors, DVD or VHS player/recorder units, and interactive video conferencing systems), courtroom sound systems, the operation of assistive listening devices, and MAC or PC computer systems in courtrooms, and other courtroom technology systems and devices as necessary.  This position is responsible for arranging for the testing, care, maintenance, and inventory of all such technology equipment.                                       Extensive contact with the public and court personnel in person or by phone requires excellent customer service skills.  Office responsibilities require extensive use of various courtroom equipment, computer systems, recording systems, and knowledge of basic office procedure.              Travel is required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS *           

TECHNOLOGY 

• Operates various equipment used in the courtroom including:  For The Record®(FTR) digital software system, analog electronic recording systems; courtroom sound systems; assistive listening devices; video monitors; DVD and VHS player/recorder units; interactive video conferencing systems; MAC and PC systems; and other courtroom related technology.
• Troubleshoots basic hardware and software issues, and makes referrals for resolution of problems and/repairs. Works with service contractor to resolve issues.
• Ensures that equipment is operating properly and arranges for maintenance, as necessary. Additionally, arranges for ongoing, basic, preventative maintenance on recording equipment.

IN THE COURTROOM

• When assigned to a courtroom, checks microphones, cabling, recording heads, monitors recording of court testimony, determines and directs changes in microphone positions, adjusts volume and other controls for all equipment.
• When so assigned, controls microphone levels to ensure proper recording during different situations that occur during the proceedings, such as bench conferences, and conferences in the judge's chambers.
• In the courtroom, determines and directs changes in microphone and speaker position for optimum recording quality.          
• In the courtroom, creates detailed log notes, plays back recorded court proceedings, may mark exhibits/swear in witnesses, as needed, and prepares material requested by the Court.
• Produces and assesses original/duplicate recordings of court proceedings.
• Carefully reviews recordings for optimum recording quality and maintains relevant lists for quality control.
• Prepares and reviews audio assessments of original/duplicate recordings to identify problems and develop solutions for optimum recording quality.
• Assists in the development of quality control procedures for recording court proceedings.
• Conducts equipment inventories as assigned.
• Provides staff training and develops training materials/checklists.  
• Forwards transcript orders and relevant materials to OTO to assist with transcription.
• May provide transcript cost estimates.
• Prepares reports, memoranda, and other court related documents as instructed.
• Travels to courts as assigned.
• Provides administrative support, when assigned.
• Performs related duties, as assigned.

  OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provides excellent customer service.
• Communicates and interacts effectively in person, over the telephone, and in writing with the public, judicial officers, court staff, attorneys, and other state, local, county, and federal agencies concerning matters before the Court.
• Performs courtroom duties as required by the judge/justice, including the jury selection process.
• Upon the approval of the Manager of the Office of Transcript Operations, may perform work typically assigned to court clerks.
• Performs other duties as required.

*The above list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification. A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned.