Human Resource Services
Alameda Skyline

Elections Technician

Recruitment #11-1282-01

Introduction

THE EXAMINATION:  THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended. Applications will only be accepted on-line.

The Registrar of Voters is seeking to fill the position of Elections Technician.  This position plays a key role in the election process.  Elections Technicians assist in the planning, organization and coordination and leads processes and activities related to the following election activities: registration, voter outreach, absentee voting, candidates’ services, locating and securing polling places, preparing election supplies in the warehouse, recruitment, hiring, training and evaluation of poll workers and other related duties as required.  In addition, to meeting the stated minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess a solid background performing duties related to the current position and the following critical attributes:

• Excellent communicator with ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; and also able to build and maintain key partnerships with members of the department, voters and stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly and effectively apply new procedures, processes, rules and regulations pertaining to California Elections and newly acquired knowledge to the job.  The successful candidate will have experience training staff on election rules, regulations, procedures and tasks.
• An adaptable professional who has the ability to maintain a consistent level of performance when faced with election timelines, heavy workloads, and conflicting work demands which mandate the need for over-time work, work on weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to interact with staff, voters, volunteers and stakeholders in such a manner to foster and encourage confidence in the organization and their mission.
• Consistently maintain effectiveness when experiencing changes in work locations, work responsibilities, work hours, and personnel.
• Strong organizational skills to ensure that all timelines are met and all work is completed.

All interested candidates must be available to work overtime, weeknights, weekends and holidays as workload demands.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, coordinates, oversees and leads election processes and activities related to the administration of elections including: registration, voter outreach, absentee voting, candidates’ services, locating and securing polling places, preparing election supplies in the warehouse, and the recruitment, hiring, training and evaluation of poll workers and other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a highly specialized journey-level classification found in various sections of the Registrar of Voters Department. Incumbents perform varied clerical/technical duties during various cycles of the voter registration process, including but not limited to consolidation of voting precincts, oversight, direction and participation in the preparation of materials related to the absentee voting process; distinguishing different classifications of absentee voters in elections; planning, coordination and oversight of the candidate filing process, determination of eligibility of candidates to run for office, provide voter registration training to the general public, verify registration eligibility, recruitment of poll workers, conduct outreach to the community and educate voters on the voting process. All duties are related to the administration of elections to ensure that all local, state and federal laws are observed.

Positions in this classification are distinguished from the next higher class of Supervising Clerk I, which has full-time supervisory responsibilities and has broader knowledge and application of state and federal election laws.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Specialist Clerk I or an equivalent or higher level clerical classification in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of two years’ full-time experience performing clerical voter services in a Registrar of Voter’s Office.

Or III

The equivalent of three years’ full-time clerical experience, which involved public contact.

License: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Special Requirement:
Persons hired in the classification of Elections Technician - Polls/Warehouse/Equipment must possess the ability to lift at the Alameda County Class 4 level (50-100 pounds).

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of the examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Effective training skills.
• Modern office practices and procedures including business correspondence.
• Standard office operations.
• Defensive driving techniques.
• Safety practices and procedures related to motor vehicle operation.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply the California Elections Code and federal election law as it relates to the specific disciplines of this classification.
• Understand, interpret and apply relevant provisions of state and federal law regarding polling place accessibility, absentee voting and candidate nomination.
• Explain relevant provisions of state and federal law to voters, candidates, incumbent office holders, campaign managers and the general public.
• Perform a wide variety of clerical and technical work independently, quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow complex oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse special interest groups.
• Plan, organize, assign, and direct the work of others during election periods.
• Perform detail work accurately.
• Work on multiple projects under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS

The examination will consist of the following steps:

  1. A review of candidates' application to verify possession of minimum requirements.  Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process.
  2. A review of the supplemental questionnaire to determine the best qualified.
  3. An oral interview which will be weighted as 100% of the candidates' final examination score.  The oral interview may contain situational exercises.

Candidates must attain a qualifying rating on each portion of this recruitment.  WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

Selection Plan

Tentative Selection Plan:
The tentative selection schedule is as follows:
• Recruitment closes July 5, 2011
• Application and minimum qualifications review to be completed by July 15, 2011
• Minimum qualification notices to go out on July 18, 2011
• Supplemental Questionnaire review to be completed by July 25, 2011
• Screening notices and Oral Examination notices to go out on July 28, 2011
• Oral Examinations will be scheduled for August 9th and 10th, 2011

BENEFITS

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster. 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

 

Conclusion

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email.  Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use.  If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you.  All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account.  You  will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the “My applications” button on the Current Job Openings page.

 

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied.  The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.  

 

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system.  Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.  If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs.  You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

 

Cheri M. Harraway, Human Resources Analyst II
Human Resource Services Division, County of Alameda
510-208-9593
cheri.harraway@acgov.org
www.acgov.org/hrs