Election Judge Operation Specialist

Temporary, full-time position (6-month assignment) beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, and ending Friday, November 6, 2026. Openings are available at the Administration Center in Hastings, the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, and the Northern Service Center in West St Paul.

About the Role

The Dakota County Elections Department is seeking Election Judge/Operation Specialists to perform technical procedures that assist elections staff in conducting election administration tasks. Specialists at service centers will support in-person early voting during regular absentee voting hours, while those in Hastings will assist with absentee voting and a variety of administrative tasks.

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third-largest county, serving over 400,000 residents. We strive for excellent public service guided by four core values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Our goal is to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable work environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Review and process voter registration applications and related documents using the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS).
• Review and process absentee ballot applications and related documents using the SVRS.
• Investigate and resolve issues of simple to moderate complexity related to incomplete and inaccurate voter registration and absentee ballot applications.
• Verify the accuracy of voter records and update within SVRS using quality control processes.
• Issue absentee ballots to county residents through the mail, ensuring accuracy of materials.
• Administer the in-person early voting process at county service centers.
• Provide election-related information to the public via phone and email.
• Prepare and complete orders of delivery and pickup for all election-related activities.
• Support voter registration, absentee voting, and warehouse tasks as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• A Minnesota resident for at least 20 days.
• A citizen of the United States.
• Able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Eligible to vote in Minnesota.
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

For specific statutory requirements, refer to Minnesota Statutes §204B.19.

Skills & Work Environment

• Knowledge of Minnesota election processes, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Professionalism in working with the public, department staff, and county associates.
• Strong organizational skills and efficiency in task management.
• Proficiency in using computers and relevant software programs.
• Attention to detail in handling figures, statistical records, filing, proofreading, and spelling.
• Ability to work under pressure in a highly visible environment during elections.

Work is primarily performed in a county office building. Some travel within Dakota County may be required, including occasional use of a personal vehicle. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be necessary. Equipment used may include ballot counters, computers, tablets, printers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and scanners.

Pay

$22.00 per hour.