Elections Specialist III

Under direction of the Elections Manager, plans, organizes, coordinates and oversees election processes and activities for administering elections for various political entities within the County.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This highly specialized class performs varied coordinative technical duties to ensure that County and local city and special district elections are conducted efficiently and in accordance with laws and regulations. Successful performance of the work requires the use of independent judgment and initiative along with the skill to follow through on multiple projects and details.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

May provide indirect technical or functional supervision of Elections Specialist I/II.

Duties may include, but not limited to, the following:

Supervise the inspection and selection of polling places and compliance with accessibility requirements:

• Prepare and conduct training classes for extra help and temporary workers.
• Coordinate preparation, distribution and delivery of polling place materials and voting computers.
• Assist with re-precincting and re-districting projects and preparation of related maps.
• Direct the updating of precinct and district maps; monitor and coordinate the reprecincting process.

Supervise the Voter Registration Unit:

• Prepare the Sample Ballot for general and special elections.
• Distribute voting computers to appropriate polling places.
• Supervise the recruitment, selection, training and evaluation of extra help and temporary workers.
• Coordinate mailing and labeling of voting materials including Sample Ballots and Voter Notification Cards.

Administer and oversee the Absentee Ballot Program:

• Provide and receive ballot request forms, verify voter identities, input voter data and operate specialized software applications.
• Conduct recounts to verify voting computer accuracy.
• Prepare statistical reports.
• Maintain voter files and databases.

Research state and federal election laws and regulations and prepare reports regarding their impact upon County election procedures:

• Plan, coordinate and assist districts and cities within the County in preparing agreements for election services; coordinate and oversee the provision of these election services with the district or city.
• Monitor the nomination process; receive and file nomination forms such as campaign statements, conflict of interest filings, filing fees and ballot measure arguments; ensure that requirement signatures are obtained to place the candidate or measure on the ballot.
• Prepare and circulate instructions related to all phases of the nomination and ballot process; provide advice and information to other agencies, candidates, the public and others regarding the election process.
• Direct the updating of precinct and district maps; monitor and coordinate the reprecincting process.
• Prepare election timetables, voting schedules and workload calendars; prepare election notices and arrange for their publication.
• Prepare ballot copy, pamphlet copy and precinct instructions; prepare quotation requests and estimate production costs.
• Ensure the accuracy of all ballot and informational materials; personally proofread materials for correctness and completeness.

Using specialized computer software, operate Elections Division systems to set up election parameters, create and generate ballots, election data material and petitions, test for logic and accuracy and process canvassing:

• Maintain divisional hardware, software and databases.
• Coordinate vendor support, user training and troubleshooting for computer systems.
• Maintain records, compute costs and prepare reports and billing for services.
• Oversee and personally perform a variety of support duties such as organizing and maintaining work files, preparing correspondence, distributing election materials and voting computers and operating standard office equipment, including a computer.
• May instruct and direct the work of support staff on a project or seasonal basis.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguished Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• California Elections Code and precinct accessibility requirements as defined by the Secretary of State.
• Basic California election laws, regulations and procedures as they apply to the conduct of elections.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic business data processing principles and the use of a personal or on-line computer.
• Business arithmetic.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform technical, complex and detailed election support work.
• Organize and coordinate multiple activities.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Read, interpret and apply complex laws, rules and procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Train, supervise and evaluate permanent and temporary personnel.
• Prepare and present training and voter registration programs.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare reports and compose correspondence and other written materials.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Read and interpret district and precinct maps.
• Operate standard office equipment, including a computer.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Two years of experience providing technical support to the election process OR three years of journey level legal or general office support experience.

#J-18808-Ljbffr