Elections Database & Systems Specialist

New Hanover County is seeking an Elections Database & Systems Specialist to provide technical support for election systems, including voting equipment, software, and voter data management.

This role involves configuring and maintaining election technology, ensuring data accuracy, troubleshooting issues, and assisting with system security and public data requests. The ideal candidate has strong technical skills, a willingness to learn election processes, and the ability to navigate complex election laws with sound judgment.

• Provides end-user support for elections systems applications which include designing and generating various reports; creating back-up copies of data sources; and loading new data into systems.
• Completes special computer projects to include researching and testing necessary products, making recommendations, developing standards, overseeing implementation, and documenting the process.
• Monitors hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment to include installing and upgrading applications; configuring programs; mapping state and local systems to extract accurate elections results; troubleshooting issues; and reviewing usage reports.
• Develops test plans related logic and accuracy with voting equipment and conducts tests on all voting equipment prior to each election.
• Completes programming and tabulation of election data, including voting equipment testing, preparation of electronic pollbooks (laptops), tabulation of elections results, and retention of all elections-related data for each election.
• Coordinates system security to include assigning users appropriate identification information; adding and deleting users as necessary; assessing individual access needs and making system changes; and troubleshooting system access issues.
• Serves as a technical resource to staff to include assessing technological needs; recommending appropriate equipment; and ensuring they are trained on the proper use of the most current voting equipment and elections hardware and software.
• Performs pre-election and post-election activities including election setup, ballot proofing, and auditing election returns.
• Reviews and audits election records daily as a part of regular reconciliation during in-person voting events.
• Fulfills all public data requests for voter registration reports, voter history reports, voter statistics, and maps.
• Serves as the lead on the processing and production of voter photo identification cards in accordance with policies and procedures established by the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
• Assists with updating web pages.
• Tabulates and cross checks all election data using closing results tapes, Excel worksheets, UNITY ERM, and Election Night Reporting (ENR) software.
• Assists with programming laptops for use during poll worker training, one stop, and Election Day.
• Uses ArcGIS Pro and State Election Information Management System (SEIMS) to research and resolve geocode conflicts.
• Maintains maps of all precincts and makes recommendations via the County Board of Elections to the State Board of Elections regarding precinct boundaries.
• Communicates troubleshooting and technical concerns with appropriate entities to include the North Carolina State Board of Elections and New Hanover County I.T. Department.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge of principles of computer hardware, software, and networking; data management principles; hardware, software, and service vendors; customer service techniques; techniques for generating automated reports; various software applications; and internet concepts.

Skilled in analyzing end-user system and program needs; installing and configuring PCs and printers; creating backups of data sources; generating automated reports; monitoring and maintaining computer system security; configuring systems and software; running computer system queries; loading data into computer systems; preparing and conducting training sessions; designing and maintaining internet sites; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness clinic;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Bachelor's Degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, and two (2) years of information systems experience in the area of elections administration or with a similar government organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.

Must be able to perform the physical responsibilities required by this position unaided, or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. These physical tasks include: the ability to remain standing/move about the different work spaces that include both indoor and outdoor locations, move/transport boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, position oneself to maintain equipment, computers, cords and other materials under desks and along floors and walls.

• Valid Driver's License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

Applicant Information:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.