Election Judge Operation Specialist

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open, Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Elections
HOURS: Full-time, 6-month temp
SALARY RANGE: $22/hr.
LOCATION: Hastings, Apple Valley, West St Paul
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

The Dakota County Elections Department is seeking persons to serve as Election Judge/Operation Specialists to perform technical procedures to assist elections staff in conducting election administration tasks.

Open positions are available at the Administration Center in Hastings, the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, and the Northern Service Center in West St Paul. Election judges serving at service centers assist with in person early voting during regular absentee voting hours, while election judges in Hastings assist with absentee voting, along with a variety of administrative tasks.

This position will begin on Monday, September 14, 2026, and will end on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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)

Duties & 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 through phone and email.
• Prepare and complete orders of delivery and pickup for all election related activities.
• Provide support to voter registration, absentee voting, and warehouse tasks as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Knowledge of Minnesota election processes, laws, policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with the public, department and County associates in a professional manner.
• Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to use computers and computer programs proficiently.
• Ability to perform accurate detail work with figures, statistical records, filing, proofreading and spelling.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently work under pressure in a highly visible work environment during elections.

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks