Records and reproduces the spoken word in court and parliamentary proceedings, television programming and for the deaf and hearing impaired using handwritten shorthand, stenotype shorthand machines, computer-assisted transcription software and sound recording equipment.

Takes verbatim records of proceedings in rapid shorthand using computerised equipment and shorthand-writing machines; transcribes information recorded in shorthand and on sound recording equipment, and proofreads and corrects copy; reads portions of transcripts during trials and other proceedings on request of judges and other officials; reproduces the spoken word, environmental sounds and song lyrics as captions for television programs, and the deaf and hearing impaired.

• Works indoors in court rooms, parliamentary hearings and other government facilities and television studios.
• Works predominantly at office desks/computer workstations and shorthand machines.
• Frequently works in adequately heated and ventilated spaces.

• Sedentary role.
• Constantly sits at a workstation and carries out a variety of shorthand, word processing and data entry tasks.
• Occasionally stands and walks about the work area.
• Stretching, twisting, climbing and lifting or carrying is not required.
• Bending, squatting or crouching movements are not significant components of the job.
• Repetitive arm hand and finger movements are constant for the use of shorthand machines, other data entry and word processing.
• Use of office hand-held objects such as pens, calculators and staplers, as well as telephones will also be occasional to frequent.
• Mental skills necessary include a sound level of recording, organisation and communication.

A New Zealand Register Level 2 or 3 qualification or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required. For entry-level positions on-the-job training is sufficient

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.