Elections Technology Specialist

Under supervision of the Elections Administrator, the Elections Technology Specialist performs complex and technical duties related to activities in overseeing the County’s voting equipment by creating each election’s ballot using ballot origination software, programing and testing the County’s voting equipment with each elections ballot, processing and scanning returned mail-in ballots with the Ballot Board, and maintaining the County’s voting equipment after each election.

• Creates each election’s ballot utilizing vendor ballot origination software. Programs voting equipment once ballots have been created
• Assists Elections Administrator with proofing and testing the ballot implementations using a State mandated Logic and Accuracy test
• Maintains voting equipment inventory and ePollbook laptops. Conducts back up and reset of electronic voting equipment
• Maintains and updates Election website and social media accounts pertinent to voting information and ensuring ADA compliance
• Assists with planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the electronic process, ensuring that all voter and election records and files are prepared and maintained in a legal manner
• Fulfills open records requests pertaining to election records
• Operates delivery truck; driving to deliver and pick up Election Day equipment which involves disassembling and reassembling electronic components
• Trains and leads election workers in operating voting equipment, as well as other aspects of the Elections office
• Compiles State required reports, backups, and audit logs for each election
• Provides technical guidance to other Elections staff regarding equipment and software
• Maintains voting equipment and systems in accordance with state guidelines; coordinates software and hardware updates, downloads election software and prepares electronic poll books and memory cards
• Maintains department laptops, printers and related election equipment
• Performs back-up procedures for programs and files
• Plans and selects voting machines to be assigned to polling places, track Serial numbers of assigned machines and ensures records of equipment inventory are properly maintained 
• Writes and maintains logs of voting equipment issues, work performed and actions taken to fix mechanical and or electronic voting machines
• Lead troubleshooting support for voting system hardware, software and network components
• Attends vendor training to improve knowledge of election equipment
• Corresponds with vendors and the state regarding software issues
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Must be a registered voter of the State of Texas. May not be a candidate for public office, hold a public office, or hold an office or position in a political party. Other restrictions apply. (See sec 31.035 of the Election Code.)

EDUCATION:

Required:   

• Associate’s degree in political science, business administration, public administration, computer science, information technology or a related field, in lieu of degree, minimum 2 years’ experience in a related role plus the required years of experience listed below

 SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• 2 years’ experience in office administration, logistical support, technology support, or related field
• Valid class C driver license and acceptable driving record
• Proficient skill in planning, assigning and coordinating activities
• Must have experience in computer skills and office software
• Current and valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record
• Ability to conduct detailed research and accurately analyze complex issues
• Ability to interpret legal documents
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Work with public in person and by telephone
• Must be able to manage time and work with minimal supervision
• Must be a registered voter of the State of Texas
• Must also be personally bondable
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Requires some skill in working with numbers in calculating fees/ percentages

Preferred:

• Knowledgeable in current Texas Election Code and Federal regulations related to elections
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

DISCLAIMER: McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.

All Employees 

o Must be committed to achieving excellence in assigned duties, always in service of the county and community

o Must have ability to earn and keep the trust of fellow employees and the community at large

o Must be approachable and ready to help fellow employees and the general public

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Individual works mostly indoors in a well-lighted air-conditioned office with occasional outdoor errands and/or deliveries.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending and walking
• Includes lifting and carrying loads (40-50 lbs.) as well as moving rolling equipment carts (up to 300 lbs.) for distances up to 120 ft.
• Continuous reading and communicating both on the telephone and in person
• Continuous use of the computer and keyboard 

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.