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Working for the South Dakota Unified Judicial System

Salary Schedule & Benefits Information

This document outlines the pay grades and salary ranges for the Unified Judicial System positions.

Current Salary Schedule View Benefit Information Health Benefit Information

Total Compensation Information & Incentives

Working for the Unified Judicial System offers more than just a paycheck—it includes a variety of benefits and incentives. Discover them here!

Total Compensation Information New Hire Incentives

First Supreme Court District Vacancy

With the upcoming retirement of the Hon. Associate Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court Janine M. Kern from the First Supreme Court District, the Judicial Qualifications Commission is now taking applications. The person appointed as justice must fulfill the eligibility requirements to hold that office, including residency in the First Supreme Court District as required by law. The First Supreme Court District is comprised of Pennington, Meade, Lawrence and Custer counties. Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 15, 2025.

Vacancy Notice Application Form

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View Current Openings

Computer Assisted Court Recorder (Job ID 31815)

  • Rapid City, Seventh Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: 07/11/2025

This position uses computer-assisted digital audio recording systems to record judicial proceedings in magistrate or circuit court to preserve the court record.

Circuit Court Staff Attorney (Job ID 31250)

  • Brookings is preferred, or within the Third Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position performs professional legal work through legal research and writing during all phases of the judicial process to assist Judges, and supervises circuit court law clerks.

Court Reporter (Job ID 31199)

  • Aberdeen, Fifth Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position reports, transcribes, and serves as the guardian of the verbatim stenographic record of official court proceedings in an accurate, impartial, and confidential manner.

Court Reporter (Job ID 31342)

  • Pierre, Sixth Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position reports, transcribes, and serves as the guardian of the verbatim stenographic record of official court proceedings in an accurate, impartial, and confidential manner.

Court Reporter (Job ID 31388)

  • Rapid City, Seventh Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position reports, transcribes, and serves as the guardian of the verbatim stenographic record of official court proceedings in an accurate, impartial, and confidential manner.

Deputy Court Clerk I (Job ID 31749)

  • Parker, First Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position ensures the court record by maintaining case files, scheduling hearings, implementing procedures for monetary dispositions, and assisting in court proceedings for various case types. It also provides customer service and acts as the court clerk in their absence.

Deputy Court Clerk I (Job ID 31956)

  • Sioux Falls, Second Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position ensures the court record by maintaining case files, scheduling hearings, implementing procedures for monetary dispositions, and assisting in court proceedings for various case types. It also provides customer service, and acts as the court clerk in their absence.

Deputy Court Clerk Magistrate I (Job ID 31920)

  • Ipswich, Fifth Judicial Circuit
  • Close Date: Until Filled

This position ensures the court record by maintaining case files, scheduling hearings, implementing procedures for monetary dispositions, and assisting in court proceedings for various case types. It also provides customer service, performs magistrate duties as needed, and acts as the court clerk in their absence.

Applicant Notices

Find valuable information on employee protection acts, laws and opportunities.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site, you can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources office at 605-773-4884 or jade.milli@ujs.state.sd.us.

Employee Polygraph Protection Act Information

The document provides information on the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA), which prohibits most private employers from requiring employees or job applicants to undergo polygraph (lie detector) tests. It outlines the conditions under which polygraph tests are allowed, including in certain security and pharmaceutical sectors, and for employees suspected of involvement in workplace incidents. It also details the rights of examinees, including the right to refuse or discontinue testing, and the legal protections against discrimination or retaliation for exercising these rights.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Information

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System is an equal-opportunity employer. Learn more by downloading this document.

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Family and Medical Leave Act Information

Employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within 12 months, including for reasons such as the birth or adoption of a child, personal or family health issues, or military family emergencies.

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UJS Employment Success Stories

Not sure if working for the South Dakota court system is the right career for you? Hear from some of our employees.

Computer Assisted Court Recorder | Sandra D.

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Court Reporter | Cindy W.

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Court Reporter | Jena S.

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Court Reporter | Jess P.

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Court Reporter | Katy D.

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Court Reporter | Kayla M.

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Court Reporter | Kelli L.

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Court Reporter | Melissa O.

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Court Reporter | Sara Z.

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Court Reporter | Tammy S.

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Court Reporter | Teresa B.

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Court Services Officer | Chris Pankratz

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Total Compensation Package

This document highlights the various employer-paid benefits that supplement the regular salaries of UJS employees, emphasizing the value of the total compensation package.

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