Vanity Plate Processing Associate - Bureau of Motor Vehicles

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Fit: 13 paid holidays, sick/

Health Insurance Coverage

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan (MainePERS)

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Student Loan Forgiveness

Parental leave

Deferred Compensation

Job summary

The Department of the Secretary of State is hiring a Vanity Plate Processing Associate in Augusta, Maine. You will support customers by reviewing mail and email, handling registrations, and reconciling revenue while working with a twelve-member team.

Excellent written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing processes are essential in this role. The position includes strong benefits and state government stability.

Qualifications

• Entry-level knowledge/abilities may be gained through coursework/training and/or experience in quality customer service and handling public interactions.
• Ability to follow standard procedures and make independent decisions in accordance with policy.
• Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship or STEM OPT not offered.

Responsibilities

• Receive and review mail and email from customers to respond to inquiries and process required paperwork.
• Review and process applications and compliance documents while managing related inbox requests through Outlook.
• Respond to written, telephone, and in-person customer inquiries, and collect, validate, and reconcile revenue.
• Verify, enter, and update computer records while identifying and resolving data issues and addressing quality control concerns.
• Assist with calls for the Registration Department, including reviewing and verifying registration documents, creating reports and correspondence, and certifying agency records.
• Maintain a positive attitude when handling discrepancies, and demonstrate patience and adaptability with new processes, standards, and changing priorities.

Skills

Customer service excellence

High-volume readiness

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Problem-solving

Professionalism

Emotional intelligence

Conflict resolution

Time management

Commitment to excellence

Continuous improvement

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Position: Vanity Plate Processing Associate

Department: Secretary of State - Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Division: Vehicle Services

Location: Augusta, Maine

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Job Class: Customer Representative Associate II MV - 6520

Grade: 14

Salary: $17.80 - $25.62

Closing Date: September 25, 2026

This position starts at Step 3 $19.65

Join Our Team at the Department of the Secretary of State:

At the Department of the Secretary of State, we are a team dedicated to providing efficient and exceptional service to our community. We prioritize work-life balance and offer excellent benefits to support our team in achieving professional success while maintaining personal well-being. Join a team that fosters a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our citizens.

Are you ready to make a difference?

We are looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. If you are passionate about delivering outstanding public service, contributing to a high-performing team, and supporting the people of Maine every day, we want you on our team.

About the Position:

The Vanity Plate Processing Associate at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is part of a twelve-member team responsible for assisting customers and branch offices with registration-related questions and inquiries. This position provides administrative and office support to the Registration Section and delivers customer service through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.

Key responsibilities include processing compliance; reviewing and verifying registration documents; collecting, validating, and reconciling revenue; and entering and maintaining accurate registration records. The role also involves generating reports and correspondence, as well as certifying records for law enforcement purposes.

This position requires detailed, time-sensitive, and computer-based work, along with the ability to learn and apply Title 29-A laws, policies, and procedures.

Success in this role depends on strong attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to efficiently manage a high volume of calls and paperwork. The ideal candidate will be able to maintain focus, collaborate effectively with team members, and adapt to changing processes and priorities.

What We’re Looking For:

• Customer Service Excellence:Demonstrated ability to provide courteous, accurate, and efficient service in a fast-paced setting with a diverse public.
• High Volume Readiness:Comfortable handling large numbers of customer interactions per day while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Team Collaboration:Work effectively within a team, supporting shared goals and contributing to a respectful, productive workplace.
• Adaptability:Adjust quickly to new procedures, policies, and technologies as agency needs evolve.
• Attention to Detail: A focus on accuracy and thoroughness in completing tasks and managing responsibilities. Confidently make informed decisions and stay solution-focused while managing multiple priorities without sacrificing accuracy or customer satisfaction.
• Clear Communication:Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain complex rules and processes in a way that is easy for the public to understand.
• Problem-Solving:Identify and resolve issues efficiently while maintaining a calm and helpful demeanor.
• Professionalism:Consistently represent the Department with respect, integrity, and accountability.

Key Competencies We Value:

• Emotional Intelligence:Empathetic, self-aware, and able to manage high-stress interactions with tact.
• Conflict Resolution:Handle difficult or emotional customer situations with patience and effectiveness.
• Time Management:Prioritize tasks and complete assignments accurately and on time.
• Commitment to Excellence:Dedication to high-quality work, accuracy, and upholding public trust.
• Continuous Improvement:A mindset focused on improving processes, learning new skills, and supporting team development.

In this role, you will:

• Receive and review mail and email from customers to respond to inquiries and process required paperwork. Review and process applications and compliance documents while managing related inbox requests through Outlook. Respond to written, telephone, and in-person customer inquiries, and collect, validate, and reconcile revenue. Verify, enter, and update computer records while identifying and resolving data issues and addressing quality control concerns.
• Assist with calls for the Registration Department, including reviewing and verifying registration documents, creating reports and correspondence, and certifying agency records.
• Maintain a positive attitude when handling discrepancies, and demonstrate patience and adaptability with new processes, standards, and changing priorities.

Preference will be given to candidates who bring digital fluency and a process-improvement mindset:

Comfort learning and adopting new technologies, experience streamlining or digitizing paper-based work, clear written communication, curiosity about emerging workplace tools, and the judgment to evaluate and verify their output before relying on it.

• Ability to use independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to verify, code, compute, and/or reconcile data on standard documents.
• Ability to recognize work quality issues.
• Ability to make intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Ability to prepare standard reports and letters.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to complete detailed and accurate work assignments.
• Ability to Manage time and prioritize.
• Ability to give customer service over the phone using proper phone etiquette.
• Knowledge of Maine Motor Vehicle Statute Title 29-A.
• Knowledge of Rule Chapters for the Department of the Secretary of State.
• Knowledge of query and research techniques.
• Knowledge of Bureau of Motor Vehicle computer systems, including on-line programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Power Point, Internet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUTARENOTLIMITEDTO the following coursework/training and/or experience.)

Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work that demonstrates 1) competency in applying a solid knowledge of the principles and practices of quality customer service to perform complex work in assisting the public with applications, fees, examinations, or social services that have an eligibility or compliance component; and 2) the ability to use independent decision-making on the appropriate processes to follow, information to process, and actions to take in accordance with standard procedures.

All positions in this classification assume the qualifications of: Customer Representative Assistant I, Customer Representative Assistant II and Customer Representative Associate I.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions, and successful candidates will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hire.

The successful candidate must pass a National Criminal Background check, which may include fingerprinting.

Why Join Our Team?

We believe in supporting our workforce's health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit: Take time for yourself with 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage: The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.69 - $14,790.59 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance: The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28annual value).

• Retirement Plan: The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

• Gym Membership Reimbursement: Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts: Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

• Living Resources Program: Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptiveparents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Voluntary Deferred Compensation: Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Terri Kanaris Talent Acquisitions Specialist, via email [e-mail]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive workplace that respects and values diversity across all backgrounds.

If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.