Courtroom Technology Specialist

The Courtroom Technology Specialist is a member of the Courts Information Technology Office reports to the IT Support Manager and is expected to participate in ongoing training and professional development. The position may require lifting and moving moderately heavy items such as computers and audiovisual equipment. Performing duties during non-business hours will be required.

Representative duties are intended to illustrate the major duties and responsibilities that are performed by this position. Representative duties may be adjusted and additional duties may be added based on the operational needs of the court. Responsibilities of the Courtroom Technology Specialist may include but will not be limited to:

• Technical Support: Coordinates courtroom support activities including audio and video components within the courtroom environment. Duties may include installing supporting and troubleshooting audiovisual equipment in court. Such systems include AV streamers sound systems and audio recording equipment. Programs Crestron control systems. Maintains working knowledge of digital recording equipment mixers microphones and amplifiers. Responds to help desk calls and emails and logs tickets into the IT ticketing system. Provides technical support and assistance including physical hardware/software setup configuration and troubleshooting in a Microsoft Windows environment. Assists the helpdesk staff in troubleshooting and fixing technical hardware and software issues. Assists in the installation and maintenance of hardware new and/or revised releases of national systems and commercial off-the-shelf software.
• Courtroom Technology Administration: Provides training on the use of technology equipment in the courtroom. Provides instruction procedural guides and training documentation to court staff on technology techniques applications and equipment utilization. Coordinates video and teleconferences for the court. This may involve scheduling troubleshooting setting up equipment initiating calls and staying on hand to monitor equipment. Maintains contact with other Courtroom Technology Specialists throughout the Judiciary to stay knowledgeable of developments techniques and user programs. Recommends standard policies and procedures pertaining to the introduction and utilization of new courtroom technology and equipment. Tests and evaluates new technology prior to application in the courtroom environment.
• Property Management: Provides quality control in the sustainment and maintenance of all courtroom technology. Performs inventory control duties for IT equipment and supplies. Reports inventory additions moves and changes to the courts custodial officer and assists with the completion of physical inventory sightings of IT equipment. Assists with the procurement and accountability of all technology equipment. Assists with the development and eventual implementation of short- and long-range technological improvements. Professional Development: Participates in local and national conferences and gatherings to support continued professional development as well as to share and learn ways of improving technology applications for federal courts. Collaborates with ITO staff to identify and develop technology solutions that meet the specific needs of the court and its users. Assists with the preparation and maintenance of IT documentation standard operating procedures and checklists for end users and other technicians.
• General Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to judges chambers staff and management requests regarding circuit courtroom technology policies and procedures. Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to explain complex technological matters and concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff providing good customer and quality service and resolving issues efficiently while complying with regulations rules and procedures. Develop implement and maintain written procedures for assigned functions. Comply with The Guide to Judiciary Policy applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures internal controls guidelines and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered but will receive employment offers only if they qualify under an exception in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under that provision a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply until having held permanent resident status for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as the spouse of a U.S. citizen); once eligible the individual must apply for citizenship within six months and complete the process within two years of applying (absent delays caused by application processors). Non-citizens who have not held permanent resident status for five years must execute an affidavit affirming their intent to apply for citizenship once eligible.

The position will report to downtown Washington DC; limited telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service at-will appointees. Federal civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Specialized Experience

• CL 25 ($56478 - $91983): Candidates must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience that provided the opportunity to acquire knowledge of rules regulations and terminology in the functional areas of audiovisual or technical support in the information technology field. Alternatively candidates may qualify by completing a bachelors degree in audiovisual technology digital media computer science or other related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below.
• CL 26 ($62212 - $101109): Candidates must possess at least two (2) years of progressively responsible specialized experience that provided that provided the opportunity to acquire knowledge of rules regulations and terminology in the functional areas of audiovisual or technical support in the information technology field. One year of specialized experience may be substituted by a bachelors degree in audiovisual technology digital media computer science or other related field from an accredited college or university and superior academic achievement as listed below.

• An overall B grade point average equaling 2.90 or better of a possible 4.0; AND/OR
• Standing in the upper third of the class; AND/OR
• 3.5 average or better in the major field of study such as in audiovisual technology digital media computer science or a related field that would prepare a candidate well to perform in this position; AND/OR
• Election to membership in Phi Beta Kappa Sigma XI or one of the National Honorary Scholastic Societies meeting the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies other than Freshman Honor Societies.
• Completion of one academic year (18 semester or 27 quarter hours) of graduate study at an accredited college or university. A degree program in audiovisual technology digital media computer science or a related field is preferred.

• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and to set priorities across multiple assignments as well as to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Proficiency with Windows desktops in a networked environment
• Ability to install configure update and troubleshoot computer hardware and peripherals
• Knowledge of IT security best practices and ability to understand and follow IT security policies and procedures
• Ability to up lift 50 pounds of IT equipment
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft 365 Applications

• Familiarity with the design installation configuration administration and maintenance of AV systems
• Experience programming Crestron and Extron systems
• Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) or similar certification
• Experience using Microsoft SharePoint
• Familiarity with VOIP phone systems
• Experience with configuring devices for remote access over a VPN
• Experience with configuring and managing the differences among multiple web browsers (i.e. Internet Explorer Chrome and Firefox)
• Prior experience in federal judiciary IT operations