SEASONAL ELECTION LABORER I

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

Appointment and continued employment are at the pleasure of the Executive Director of the Election Commission.

All seasonal staff working for the City of Milwaukee Election Commission (MEC) must be qualified electors of Milwaukee County and are expected to take an oath. MEC workers are expected to work long hours and weekends during busy periods in high-stress environments; however, it can be one of the most rewarding jobs, offering a welcoming community, a great job experience, and a real, tangible role in protecting our Democracy.

Seasonal Election Laborers typically work 20-40 hours per week during the election season. The hours may include evenings and weekends.

Employment begins as early as six weeks before an election and continues up to three weeks after the election.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.  

The Temporary Election Laborer ensures that the City of Milwaukee Election Commission (MEC) has all of its materials, supplies and equipment ready for the election season.

Equipment Maintenance and Labor Duties

• Perform manual labor to assist in the preparation and planning for the City of Milwaukee’s Election Day polling locations, central count and in-person absentee voting, including moving supplies and equipment, conducting inventory checks and packaging items for transportation.
• Perform custodial work at the Operations center and satellite sites, including sweeping and cleaning floors and equipment, picking up litter and removing debris.
• Perform general maintenance on election equipment and supplies; make minor repairs to equipment, infrastructure, grounds and facilities.
• Serve as a helper for permanent staff to complete election-related preparation and planning.
• Perform and track testing and troubleshooting on election equipment as part of election preparation, at polling stations on election day and during quality assurance checks.
• Use pallet jacks, hand carts, dollies and/or forklifts to move supplies from storage and prepare for transportation.
• Set up and take down rooms for various election-related events, meetings, and tasks.
• Consistently practice safe work practices and procedures.

Chain of Custody and Inventory Management

• Prepare all election equipment and supplies for delivery following prescribed protocols to ensure secure and safe transport.
• Maintain the chain of custody on all election equipment and election materials at all times, including completing necessary forms and following City of Milwaukee procedures.
• Conduct audits and quality assurance checks to ensure all supplies and equipment efficiently arrive at their off-site, designated locations.
• Monitor and report any items that may be low in inventory or supplies that may need replacement.
• Participate in post-election reconciliation to ensure the safe and secure return of all election supplies, equipment, and materials to the Operations Center.
• Utilize scanners, computers, laptops and other equipment to conduct quality assurance checks on Operations Center inventory.
• Conduct inventory counts on all election equipment and supplies at the Operations Center.
• Return all election equipment and supplies to their proper storage area and track inventory as directed.

Customer Service

• Interact with poll workers, other seasonal staff, permanent staff, observers and voters politely and courteously.
• Maintain professionalism during public interactions, including election day, public testing and/or public tours of the Operations Center.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Must work overtime and weekends as needed. Some overtime will be mandatory to meet the Election's needs (Election Day lasts from 5:30 a.m. until approximately 11:00 p.m.).
• Lift and move objects weighing 50 lbs. or more occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently, and up to 10 lbs. consistently.
• Perform medium physical work, including kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, reaching, and making repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Manual dexterity to properly and safely use hand tools.
• Ability to operate machinery such as a forklift and electric pallet jack.
• Must tolerate various weather and environmental conditions indoors and out (e.g., noise, vibration, dirt, pollen, etc.).
• The required pre-employment tests include:
  • Physical/50 lb. lift test
  • Drug test
  • Vision test
  • Audio test

1. Must be a resident of Milwaukee County at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
2. Must be a qualified elector of the State of Wisconsin meeting the following criteria:
   1. At least 18 years of age at the time of application close.
   2. Have resided in Wisconsin for at least 28 consecutive days.
   3. Not otherwise disqualified from voting (Please review Wis. Stat. § 6.03 for disqualifications from voting).
3. Valid driver's license at time of application and throughout the selection process.
4. A good driving record at the time of application, throughout the selection process, and throughout employment.
5. Valid Wisconsin driver's license required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) (Class A or B) without the Air Brakes restriction.
• Familiarity with election equipment, materials and procedures.
• Experience working in a warehouse.
• Experience operating forklifts and electric pallet jacks.

Technical

• Ability to learn election equipment procedures, troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Ability to read and understand documents, such as work rules, policies, and operating manuals.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to accurately complete paperwork, such as work logs, pre- and post-trip inspections and timecards.
• Ability to read and interpret street maps.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations accurately.
• Ability to drive a car and to learn to drive a van or truck.

Interpersonal and Customer Service

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and interact with the public courteously.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Safety and Judgment

• Ability to exercise care and good judgment regarding safety at all times, abiding by safety-related policies and laws.
• Ability to safely use equipment required by the position.
• Ability to exercise good situational awareness and judgment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment and deal with frequent changes or unexpected events.
• Ability to serve as an effective custodian of City resources.

The current starting hourly rate (Pay Range 9BN) is $21.57, and the resident incentive starting hourly rate for City of Milwaukee residents is $22.43.

Temporary appointees are not eligible for benefits.

• Applicants must complete the job application, which is linked here: https://forms.gle/vhDMmHd3ESSELm5m7
• Questions relative to the position or selection process may be directed to the Milwaukee Election Commission (MEC) at willlew@milwaukee.gov.
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE:

• The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after  May 26, 2026.
• Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.