Elections Specialist

Full Job Description

This position requires you to work on-site for the first six months of employment. After that, there may be an opportunity for a hybrid schedule, depending on business needs.

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

Pierce County Elections is looking for an experienced professional to join our team as the Incoming Ballot Election Specialist.

In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the mail sorting process and managing USPS-related operations.

This position plays a pivotal part in ensuring that ballots are accurately sorted, processed, and prepared for ballot opening and tabulation.

You will have experience with mail processing technology and a strong understanding of the logistics involved in ballot handling. Your expertise will be key to maintaining the integrity of the election process and ensuring a smooth experience for voters.

Why It's a Great Department:

Pierce County Elections is responsible for maintaining voter registration rolls, conducting federal, state, and local elections, verifying petition signatures, publishing a local Voters' Pamphlet, and managing precinct lines.

With over 590,000 active registered voters, we conduct four elections each year and serve 114 jurisdictions.

Our team is responsible for managing election logistics for over 500 elected offices in Pierce County.

How to be Successful in the Role:

We are looking for someone passionate about election integrity, democracy, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of federal, state, and local election laws and regulations.

You will apply independent judgment and make effective decisions that impact our election processes.

Strong communication skills are essential, as you will interact with voters, staff, and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Success in this role also requires both technical and mechanical expertise.

You should have experience operating high-speed mail processing equipment and be comfortable troubleshooting mechanical and workflow issues.

A strong understanding of data flow and file transfer is key, along with proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, reconciling, and reporting data.

Attention to detail, adaptability, and a commitment to accuracy will ensure the handling of ballots throughout the election process.

Your Future in this Role:

As the Incoming Ballot Elections Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the success of Pierce County Elections.

You will receive coaching and guidance from experienced leadership, work within a collaborative and supportive team, and be part of an organizational culture that values continuous learning and professional growth.

You will also have the chance to influence statewide election practices by networking with other counties, participating in advisory committees, and working closely with the Ballot Processing Elections Supervisor on key policies, tasks and procedures.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and participates in the activities of a specialty in the Elections Division; determines work schedules and methods to expediting work-flow; issues instructions; and monitors work for accuracy and compliance to procedures and policies in specialty area assigned.
• Conducts vote-by-mail elections. Orders all supplies necessary for vote-by-mail elections.
• Promotes a working partnership with the Post Office.
• Coordinates with vendors, as needed.
• Operates mechanical equipment.
• Performs Elections Clerk 2 essential functions, as needed.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Additional education or related experience may be substituted equally for the recruiting requirements
• Four years of general clerical experience
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years Elections related experience preferred
• Experience working in a lead or supervisory role and Certification as an Elections Administrator under (WAC) and (RCW) regulations are preferred

Special Note: Employees in this class may be limited as to vacation during the primary and general election season and will be required to work extended hours, on-call, or alternate hours during an election cycle

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?