Official Reporter of Debates

Summary

The Secretary of the Senate's Official Reporters of Debates is seeking an Official Reporter of Debates. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Duties

NATURE OF WORK This is specialized, professional stenographic work reporting and editing the oral proceedings of the Senate and incorporating proper parliamentary language for publication in the Congressional Record (the Record). Work includes taking verbatim record of daily Senate oral proceedings and editing information for grammatical and technical errors to ensure accuracy of the Record. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment and on the Senate floor with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, prolonged standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds with the use of a shoulder harness and tray; extensive reading and computer use; regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. This position is tied to the Senate Floor schedule and requires working extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by the Senate. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a high school diploma and either state court reporter certification or National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) certification with a minimum of seven years of professional field experience; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution, Senate procedures and organization, congressional documents/terminology, and the legislative process preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the history and operation of the Senate. Knowledge of parliamentary procedure and ability to report proceedings accurately while ensuring material conforms to parliamentary procedure. Knowledge of American history and current events. Knowledge of English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary. Knowledge of Senate rules and protocol regarding order and decorum in and around the Senate floor. Skill in the operation and use of stenographic and transcription equipment. Knowledge of CaseCatalyst software preferred; ability to learn CaseCatalyst software required. Ability to listen and write for continuity, sense, and detail while walking or standing with stenographic equipment. Ability to quickly and accurately identify Senators by sight and voice. Ability to retain and quickly recall information. Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by the Senate schedule. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to travel and work inside or outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, in the event of an emergency that requires relocation of the Senate. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS State court reporter or NCRA certification required, with the following three certifications preferred: Registered Merit Reporter (RMR), Registered Diplomate Reporter (RDR), or Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR).

Education

See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.