Sergeant
State of Maine Judicial Branch
Location: Cumberland County Courthouse, Portland
The Job:
General Summary:
This is responsible supervisory work involved in providing for the safety and security of judges and justices, court staff, jurors, witnesses, other court participants, and the general public. As supervisor, the Sergeant is responsible for Deputy Judicial Marshals at several locations within a geographic region. Sergeants work in an environment often charged with intense emotion and conflict and must be able to move quickly and effectively from observation of routine activity to direct physical contact and confrontation. The presiding judge/justice provides direction during the course of legal proceedings. Sergeants provide the first line of defense for the court system when performing the duties of entry screening. Must be able to travel and work in different locations within the state with minimum notice; night and weekend assignments are possible.
The Sergeant also assists the Captain or Chief Deputy in the performance of his/her duties, including the coordination of all judicial marshal services including trials, emergency procedures, courthouse safety, security training, threat assessment, health and safety procedures, and coordination with law enforcement agencies, and performing these duties in the absence of the Captain or Chief Deputy, as directed.
Salary Range:
Grade 15, $30.67 - $39.93 per hour.
What We Offer:
At the Maine Judicial Branch, we value our employees, which is why we offer great benefits. In addition to competitive pay, we provide:
- Work-life balance: 13 paid holidays, 2+ weeks of vacation leave, and 12 paid sick days every year
- Paid uniforms, annual clothing/equipment stipend
- No shifts during holidays, overnights, or weekends
- Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks
- Gym membership reimbursement program
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Health insurance coverage (85%-100% employer-paid for employee-only plan)
- Health insurance premium credit (5% decrease in employee premiums)
- Dental insurance (100% employer paid for employee-only plan)
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Defined Benefit Pension plan contributions
- Voluntary deferred compensation (retirement savings 457 Plan)
- Up to $1000 Tuition Reimbursement each year
- Employer-paid life insurance (1x annual salary)
Responsibilities:
Supervises Deputy Judicial Marshals, including the planning, assigning, and reviewing of work; participating in the hiring, evaluation, and discipline of employees; and ensuring proper training and continuous development of employees.
Manages security arrangements for each court day and session as needed.
Responsible for the daily scheduling and assignment of Deputy Judicial Marshals under his/her command.
Frequently performs all duties and assignments consistent with the duties of Deputy Judicial Marshals.
Assists within the courtroom with the orderly flow of paperwork between the judge/justice, clerk’s office, defendants and other participants.
Assists with the movement of evidence as requested.
Supervises patrols and maintains a presence in public areas of court facilities as needed.
Ensures that the duties and job assignments of the Deputy Judicial Marshals are carried out in accordance with the directives of the Office of Judicial Marshal Services.
Maintains Courthouse Emergency Plans in primary assignment location, including the plans for detention area security, where applicable.
Directs persons to building locations and provides information on court schedules and proceedings as authorized.
Completes tasks as assigned related to court process related projects as approved and assigned by the Office of Judicial Marshal Services.
Works on special projects as assigned (e.g. record checks, threat analysis, etc.).
May assist court clerk with administrative tasks when security responsibilities are not compromised.
Participates in high risk trial planning and scheduling, threat assessment, and special details as required.
Maintains all issued equipment at an approved level of serviceability.
Minimum Education/Skills/Experience/Training Required to be Considered for Employment:
- Graduation from high school (or GED).
- Three (3) years experience as a full time Deputy Judicial Marshal or similar relevant experience.
- College coursework may be substituted for the work experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Completion of the required application process, including successful passing of the ALERT test administered by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy; submission of required fingerprint cards; and authorization for rigorous background check, which includes: verification of education and experience, medical and psychological review and certification of status, general suitability for assignment to the courts, criminal and motor vehicle record checks.
- Knowledge of and ability to effectively use crisis interaction skills.
- Knowledge of and ability to use restraint and defensive tactics.
Certifications Required to be Considered for Employment:
- Completed the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Pre-Service Training Program.
- Have and maintain qualification to utilize firearms and other defensive weapons according to Maine Criminal Justice Academy standards.
- Have and maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Skills/Experience/Training Required to Adequately Perform Job Duties:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Strong supervisory skills.
- Ability to organize and supervise the security operations in the assigned courts.
- Ability to train security and court personnel as to procedures regarding internal and external emergencies, safeguards and precautions.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written communications.
- Ability to interact effectively with judges/justices, other court staff, attorneys, and the general public in a variety of situations and circumstances.
- Ability to interact well with people in difficult and stressful situations.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information discretely.
- Knowledge and ability to operate security devices, alarm systems, and communication equipment.
- Knowledge of Courthouse Emergency Plans in all assigned court locations, including the plans for detention area security, where applicable.
- Knowledge of court procedures, legal documents, and legal processes.
- Conforms to all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Office of Judicial Marshal Services including such policies and procedures regarding infectious disease exposure control.
Certifications Required to Adequately Perform Job Duties:
- Successfully complete the Basic Maine Judicial Marshals Training Program under Title 25 §2804-E. in-service law enforcement training and subsequent in-service training as required by the Judicial Marshal Services.
- Must receive and maintain certification as a law enforcement officer as required by law.
How to Apply:
Cover letter, resume, and online application must be submitted online at https://www.courts.maine.gov/about/jobs.html.
The Judicial Branch is an EEO/AA employer.