The New York State Unified Court System is seeking applicants for NYS Court Officer-Trainee in its upstate districts (Judicial Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) in Central, Western, and Northern New York. The court system will be administering the NYS Court Officer-Trainee Examination at upstate test centers between April 20, 2024, and May 3, 2024.
Online exam applications must be filed between January 3, 2024, and February 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
New York State Court Officers are peace officers responsible for providing law enforcement and security services and maintaining order in New York State’s 300-plus courtrooms and building facilities. NYS Court Officers have exciting opportunities to grow and advance through the competitive testing process or by joining specialized teams or departments. NYS Court Officers may also advance as security managers and coordinators responsible for the security operations of courts and districts.
The starting salary for NYS Court Officer-Trainees, effective April 1, 2024, will be $56,411. New York State Court Officer-Trainees are eligible for an annual Uniform and Equipment Allowance of $1,565, and an annual Security and Law Enforcement Differential of $825. Upon successful completion of a two-year traineeship, New York State Court Officer-Trainees are promoted to the title of New York State Court Officer at Judicial Grade 19; the Judicial Grade 19 starting salary is $68,593 as of April 1, 2025.
Along with competitive pay, other benefits include:
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A regular work schedule
- 20 paid vacation days the first year (increasing to 27 paid vacation days after seven years)
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13 paid holidays annually
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Excellent health insurance and retirement benefits
Minimum qualifications to become a NYS Court Officer-Trainee include:
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Passing the NYS Court Officer-Trainee Exam (JG-16)
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A high school diploma or GED
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At the time of appointment to the Court Officers Academy, the candidate must be at least 20½ years of age, a New York State resident, a US citizen and have a valid NYS driver’s license. (Court Officer-Trainees undergo four months of basic training, including physical, tactical and legal instruction, and safety and weapons training.)
