journalist Washington, DC
Job description
Duties
Report and edit the verbatim oral proceedings of the Senate; report legislative measures being considered in the Senate with proper parliamentary language; report party caucuses using a stenographic machine; identify and correct grammatical and contextual errors of spoken words to present information accurately in the Record; insert appropriate punctuation; research and verify accuracy of quotations, citations, names, and dates referred to in debate; and make necessary corrections to accurately reflect information in the Record. Verify with Senate floor staff or Senators if there is a question about whether information should be included in the Record; coordinate removal/insertion of information in the transcripts of other Official Reporters of Debates (Reporters), at the request of Senators; and work closely with floor staff and other Reporters to ensure continuity of information reported throughout the day. Ensure appropriate material is included in the Record; obtain copies of documents not read on the floor but requested to be printed in the Record; determine proper insertion point of statements and information not read on the floor but requested to be included in the Record; insert material according to established guidelines; and confirm with floor staff the accuracy of spoken words that are not clearly identifiable. Review work of Expert Transcribers for accuracy and clarity of transcribed material; and identify and resolve formatting errors or concerns with Expert Transcribers. Listen attentively to all Senate floor activity in order to accurately report official debate and other remarks made on the Senate floor. Maintain current knowledge of the Office of Official Reporters of Debates Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; and participate in periodic exercises and drills. As part of the Secretary’s customer service initiative (known as R.A.T.E.), provide all customers with the highest level of customer service.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa
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.
Additional information
The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email [email protected] with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.
Agency contact information
Email
Address
Secretary of the Senate, Human Resources
Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510Next steps
Candidates will be contacted if granted an interview.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
