The United States Pretrial Services Office in the District of Oregon is focused on providing exceptional service to the Court, members of the legal community, and the general public.  Currently, we are seeking applicants for temporary, part-time Pretrial Services Technicians (Paid Student Interns) in our Portland, Oregon office.  More than one position may be filled with this announcement.

Student Interns provide clerical and operational support to Pretrial Services Officers.  Positions at this level perform lower-level administrative support duties such as inputting data, generating and reviewing reports, scanning, typing, filing, answering phones, and greeting visitors.

Representative Duties

Provides office support and assistance for the administrative functions of the office which may include any or all of the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assists officers with administrative duties such as scanning, shredding, copying, filing, and conducting database searches, chronological entries, etc.
• Performs data entry functions.
• Assists in conducting criminal record checks through local/national law enforcement databases.
• Maintains chain of custody logs/files for drug testing.
• Performs reception duties such as greeting visitors/defendants in person and/or on the telephone and directing them to the appropriate staff member.
• Processes outgoing mail. Receives mail and routes to the appropriate staff member.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

General Information

• Work generally performed in an office setting. Professional business attire required.
• Incumbent may have contact with persons with violent backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be high school graduate or equivalent.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled as part-time or full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, human relations, or a related field of study. Proof of enrollment must be provided.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in using Windows-based personal computers and standard software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, internet searches, etc.
• Familiarity with standard office equipment such as scanners, copy machines, and fax machines.
• Proficient typing and data entry skills.

In addition, the successful candidate should also possess the following abilities:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work in a team setting.
• Meet required deadlines and maintain case-related tracking systems.
• Maintain concentration despite interruptions.
• Strong knowledge of office procedures, practices, and processes.
• Extensive knowledge of proper grammar usage and the ability to edit efficiently.
• General knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal terminology.
• Ability to adapt to workplace changes.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following:

1. Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (AO 78);
2. Letter of Interest (Cover Letter), which includes a narrative statement that addresses qualifications, skills and relevant experience;
3. Chronological Resume;
4. List of 3 Professional References with telephone and email contact information, or two letters of recommendation (from instructors, advisors, or recent employers); and
5. A copy of college transcripts (can be unofficial but must be up to date).

Please send application packet via e-mail to  and include ORPT-25-02 Pretrial Services Tech in the subject line.  All documentation should be combined into one PDF. Please type or print all information and sign and date forms where indicated.  Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Due to the volume of applications, the U.S. Pretrial Services Office will only communicate with those individuals who are invited for personal interviews and only applicants who are interviewed will receive a written response regarding their application status.  Applicants selected for interviews must travel at their own expense.  Relocation expenses are not authorized and will not be reimbursed.  Verification of employment, education, and reference checks will be made prior to any offer of employment.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents currently seeking citizenship or intending to become a citizen after meeting the eligibility requirement as outlined in 8 U.S.C § 1324b(a)(3)(B).
• False statements or omissions of information on any application materials or the inability to meet conditions of employment may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.
• All information is subject to verification and background investigation.
• Qualified applicants applying for Probation and Pretrial Services positions will be subject to preliminary credit, employment, and criminal history background checks.
• An FBI background check is required for all individuals appointed to positions in the U.S. Courts.  New employees are considered "provisional hires" pending the successful completion of the FBI background check. 
• Duty station assignments are at the sole discretion of the appointing officer.
• Employees are subject to mandatory participation in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payment of net pay (i.e., Direct Deposit). (Limited exceptions are available upon request.) 
• The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of posted job announcements or to withdraw an announcement entirely, either of which may occur without prior written or other notice.
• In the event a position becomes vacant in a similar classification within a reasonable time from the original announcement, the appointing officer may select an appointee from the candidates who responded to the initial announcement without posting the vacancy. 

For Further Information

• Learn more about the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the Pretrial Services Office.
• Employee Benefits