Election Technician

County of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Humboldt seeks an Election Technician in Eureka to prepare and maintain voting equipment, train staff, and ensure accurate data handling for elections. You will work under supervision to perform maintenance, testing, and operational support across election processes.

The role includes researching election laws, preparing reports, and delivering high-quality public service while coordinating with the Election Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with related coursework.
• Experience with technical support, computer systems maintenance, or hardware deployment.
• Ability to interpret election laws and procedures and apply them to daily tasks.
• Strong data entry accuracy and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops training materials and instructions for election equipment.
• Provides ongoing support to staff using election equipment.
• Inspects, repairs, and operates voting equipment for elections.
• Tests and programs election equipment and assists with ballot scanners testing.
• Researches election laws and compiles reports on election statistics.
• Performs data entry, maintains records, and manages inventory.
• Offers administrative and technical support to the public and staff.
• Trains seasonal staff on election procedures.

Skills

Election software understanding

Troubleshooting hardware

Data entry accuracy

Customer service

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Voting equipment

Office software

Job description

Election Technician

Clerk Recorder's Office/Elections

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is committed to ensuring all eligible residents have an opportunity to exercise their right to vote; conducting elections in a fair, accurate, and efficient manner; and providing reliable information and the best possible service to voters, districts, candidates, and other interested parties.

Highlights

• Develops training and instructional materials for use of election equipment
• Provides on-going support to staff in use of election equipment
• Researches, interprets, and explains complex election laws, rules, and regulations

Location

2426 6th St, Eureka, CA 95501

Hours

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm

Definition

Under general supervision, performs a broad range of duties in support of the election process using a variety of software and specialized election specific systems; develops training protocols and instruction materials for use of election equipment; performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision from the Election Manager. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Class Characteristics

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of the election process. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Develops training protocols, training materials and instructional materials for use of election equipment.
• Provides on-going support for office staff in relation to use of election equipment.
• Prepares voting systems and equipment for elections; inspects, repairs, replaces, assembles, operates, and installs voting equipment.
• Tests, programs, and organizes election equipment, which involves adhering to security protocols, inspecting equipment for damage and/or tampering, recording equipment maintenance procedures, addressing issues revealed during testing and coordinating or performing necessary repairs; assisting with logic and accuracy testing for ballot scanners, assisting with equipment backups throughout early voting and day of election.
• Researches, interprets, and explains complex election laws, rules, and regulations.
• Researches and compiles reports regarding election statistics for the state, other agencies, the public and the press.
• Performs data entry into specialized databases; organizes and maintains department files and logs.
• Maintains inventory records and provides a variety of periodic reports.
• Provides comprehensive administrative and technical support by managing public inquiries in person, via phone, and in writing while maintaining accurate records and performing precise data entry and retrieval.
• Instructs and provides training to seasonal and temporary staff regarding election procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of

• Applicable federal, state, and local election and registration of voters, laws, regulations, statutes, ordinances, and procedures including the Fair Political Practices Commission rules and regulations.
• Basic methods and techniques of installing, configuring, administering, and monitoring technology systems.
• Methods and techniques of eliciting information and performing diagnostic procedures on technology systems.
• Methods and techniques of evaluating system effectiveness and responding accordingly.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving hardware and software system issues.
• Basic inventory control methods and techniques.
• Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Standard office administrative practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to

• Understand, explain, and apply basic provisions of various California codes and regulations affecting the administration of elections and registration of voters.
• Compose routine correspondence from brief instructions.
• File documents alphabetically, chronologically, and/or numerically rapidly and accurately.
• Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble voting equipment.
• Prioritize work and coordinate several activities.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions.
• Prepare instructional materials, provide training and instruction and evaluate effectiveness.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by college coursework in a related field and Two (2) years of experience in technical support, computer systems maintenance, or hardware deployment (e.g., configuring workstations, peripheral troubleshooting, or systems diagnostics).

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Physical Demands

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

Environmental Conditions

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Additional Requirements

• Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening, physical examination, etc.).

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.