Elections Specialist

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board and its Elections Division is charged by statute to administer and enforce Wisconsin election administration laws. A basic and core requirement of the Board through its Elections Division is to ensure ongoing and quality education, training, outreach, technical assistance and customer service to 1,852 municipal clerks, 72 county clerks and thousands of Local Election Officials (poll workers) that conduct elections as well as to ensure adherence to, and compliance with Wisconsin election laws.

Another basic and core requirement of the Board via its Elections Division is to provide current and accurate information to the State’s 4.3 million eligible voters about the State’s electoral process and all new revisions, changes and amendments to election administration procedures. This function includes collecting, validating, synthesizing, and reporting election and voter participation data received from nearly 2,000 jurisdictions that manage almost 3,000 polling places and that submit election and voter participation data for over 3,600 reporting units.

Job Duties:   

Under the general supervision of the Elections Supervisor, this position provides support to Local Election Officials on the use of mapping tools available in GAB systems, and to continuously improve the accuracy and currency of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data within those systems. This includes outreach with local GIS sources, analyzing and maintaining geographic information using standard GIS tools, and assisting local election officials in the use of mapping tools provided to clerks in GAB systems. These duties ensure that residences of voters are included in the correct electoral jurisdictions and their names appear in the proper poll books.

This position participates in developing a protocol to be used by the Elections Division team for delivering education, training and technical assistance to local election officials, and will conduct workshops, seminars and classes for users of the Statewide Voter Registration System, especially with regard to the use of GIS mapping tools for the administration of elections. This position is responsible for interpreting election laws, administrative rules, and Board policies in carrying out a variety of functions, and will participate in implementing an array of elections program goals and project plans.

For a complete position description go to:
http://www.doa.state.wi.us/jobs/pdf_files/PD1302797.pdf

Special Notes:   

Pursuant to Wis. State. Chapter 230.27(1m)(a), persons appointed to a project position within the State Classified Service must be residents of the State of Wisconsin.

A criminal background check will be conducted.

A candidate must not have made a financial contribution to a partisan candidate or campaign during the past 12 months prior to appointment.

Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver license that meets the State’s Risk Management requirements.

Must be able to lift 30 pounds without assistance.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• A degree in Geography or GIS Technology, or some GIS technology and mapping experience preferred.

• A four-year degree in the social sciences, public administration, or public policy, or equivalent training and experience acceptable.

• Experience in web-based multi-tiered computer applications.

• Working knowledge of election laws, administrative rules and Board policies, methods and procedures as they relate to election administration.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex topics with agency management, the public, the media, election officials and GAB board members.

• Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of adult education concepts as well as workplace training theory, principles and practices.

• Working knowledge of wireless networking, and PC laptop and mobile server support skills needed to maintain mobile training environment.

• Working knowledge of online training alternatives.

• Ability to independently plan, organize, and prioritize workloads. Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees in a team structure, administrative officials, election officials, other state agency officials, and the general public.

• Must be able to travel as required. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

How To Apply:   Apply online! If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account. After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information, and attach a resume. In addition to this information, you will be required to complete the online exam.

You can preview the exam questions by clicking on the “Preview Exam” link above. After reviewing the exam questions, prepare detailed responses to the exam questions. Submit your exam responses by copying and pasting your responses into the appropriate fields in the online exam. Your response to the exam questions will be used to determine your eligibility for this position. Resumes will not be part of the initial screening process. Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will NOT be considered.

Questions may be directed to emily.schaefer@wisconsin.gov“>emily.schaefer@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-0195.