Clarification from the agency

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation, and subsequent favorable suitability determination, and every five years thereafter will be subject to a re-investigation.

The Clerk of Court is a high-level management position which is appointed by the judges of the Western District of New York and functions under the direction of the Chief Judge of the Court. The Clerk of Court is responsible for managing the administrative activities of the Clerk's Office and overseeing the performance of the statutory duties of the office.

Responsibilities

• Consulting with and making recommendations to the judges regarding court policies and procedures;
• Directing staff responsible for the processing of civil and criminal cases, the issuance of process and the maintenance of official records in the custody of the court;
• Managing the jury operations of the court and making recommendations as required to improve juror utilization;
• Directing through subordinate staff the court's financial service function including purchasing, juror payments, and accounting functions;
• Working with members of the bar and the public to improve the delivery of court services;
• Working with various governmental agencies on a variety of issues necessary to court activities such as data processing, fiscal, and personnel;
• Hiring and assigning personnel as well as designing and managing training programs;
• Preparing and managing the annual budget;
• Conducting special studies as directed and preparing statistical and narrative reports; and
• Managing staff responsible for automation and information technology services, statistical analysis and reporting requirements, inventory control, and human resources management.

Conditions of employment

Employees must adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Veterans' preference is not a factor used in Judicial Branch appointments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. By statute, the Clerk of Court must reside within the district. Positions with the U.S. Courts are excepted service appointments, which are "At-Will" and may be terminated with or without cause. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll deposit.

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements
General: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in public service or business which provides a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural and human aspects in managing an organization.
Management Responsibility: At least three of the 10 years of experience must have been in a position of substantial management responsibility.
Practice of Law: An attorney who is in the active practice of law in either the public or private sector may substitute said active practice on a year-for-year basis for the management or administrative experience requirement.

Preferred Qualifications/Court Preferred Skills

• Management experience in the federal government, a federal or state court system or court administrative office is strongly preferred;
• Excellent leadership, organizational and analytical skills;
• A demonstrated ability to lead with vision;
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to apply sound judgment especially in crisis situations, problem solve, and act with integrity;
• Ability to foster effective working relationships with judges, court staff, other federal entities, and the public;
• A performance history that clearly reflects skills and demonstrated experience in managing an annual budget; and
• Completion of a law degree (J.D. or equivalent) and thorough knowledge of both federal civil and criminal rules of procedure and familiarity with the Local Rules of the Court is preferred.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Please read the "Next steps" section for more information.