Career Opportunity

Mail Processing Equipment Operator – San Francisco Department of Elections (1404 Clerk)

Recruitment: REF60193H

Published: March 05, 2026

Accepting applications until: April 01, 2026

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

Department Background

The mission of the Department of Elections (Department) is to provide equitable access to voting and election-related services and to conduct free, fair, and functional elections for the City and County of San Francisco. Department staff work year-round to ensure that every eligible San Franciscan has easy access to safe, barrier-free registration and voting options. The Department also works continuously to improve its elections programs with the goal of making them ever more efficient and responsive to the needs of San Francisco voters.

The Department strives to cultivate a workplace environment in which employees of all racial and ethnic backgrounds feel respected, valued, and supported in providing the fairest and most effective services possible to San Francisco residents. The Department is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace and to providing the training and resources necessary for all employees to succeed in delivering equitable services to city residents.

The Department is committed to reaching job seekers of all backgrounds. Everyone, including job seekers from underrepresented communities, is strongly encouraged to apply.

Role description

Position Description

In preparation for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, the Department is seeking applications for a seasonal position of Mail Processing Equipment Operator (1404 Clerk).

Under general supervision, this position performs advanced operational work involving the operation and monitoring of automated mail sorting equipment. This position is responsible for ensuring production standards are met, monitoring workflow efficiency, maintaining operational records, and exercising independent judgment to maintain continuity of mail processing services in a high-volume environment.

In addition to the range of duties assigned to the 1404 job code, https://careers.sf.gov/classifications/?classCode=1404&setId=COMMN, the person in this position will have the following essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Operate and monitor automated mail sorting equipment to ensure accurate and timely processing
2. Monitor daily vote-by-mail ballot volumes and production benchmarks
3. Adjust processing workflows and machine run schedules in response to fluctuating mail volumes and operational demands
4. Track and analyze production output, identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies and implementing corrective workflow adjustments
5. Maintain detailed records of mail volumes, processing times, and system activity
6. Ensure operational compliance with departmental procedures and service standards
7. Coordinate with Ballot Distribution Manager about needs for service calls for equipment malfunctions and document service interruptions
8. Perform quality control checks to verify sorting accuracy and routing integrity
9. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area around processing equipment
10. Perform prolonged standing and lift mail items up to 25 lbs
11. Work flexible shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required
12. Assist with other ballot processing tasks such as ballot adjudication, tabulation, and remake, using a set of standardized procedures provided.
13. Assist with other post-election tasks as needed

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the position and what to expect by viewing the Department’s video available at: https://youtu.be/qgH-4bgAMLs.

Position Schedule, Requirements, and Work Location

This is a seasonal position with a tentative start date of May 11, 2026. The tentative end date for this position is approximately between June 3, 2026 and the second week of June 2026. Actual start and end dates will depend upon the Department’s operational needs.

Work will primarily be on site at the Department of Elections Office at City Hall, San Francisco, CA. Travel within the city and warehouse work (Pier 31) will be required as needed. Candidates must be willing to work flexible working hours, including on Election Day, June 2, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., as needed. Work hours will vary widely in accordance with the demands of the election cycle and will range between 20 and 40 hours per week. Position may require mandatory evening and weekend work. Overtime hours are paid at 1.5 the hourly rate.

Position requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods of time and lifting up to 25 lbs.

This is a temporary exempt as-needed position. Temporary exempt as-needed employees who have worked more than 1040 hours in any consecutive 12-month period, and whose normal work week at the time of inclusion in the system is not less than 20 hours are eligible for health coverage and retirement benefits. For more information on the City and County of San Francisco benefit policies, refer to the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/benefits/.

Position Salary: $31.5375 to $38.3375 hourly

$65,598 to $79,742 annually

How to qualify

Minimum Qualifications:

One (1) year of clerical experience including preparing and maintaining a variety of records and/or documents, filing, use of office equipment, public contact and processing of incoming and outgoing mail.

Substitution:  Completion of an approved City and County of San Francisco Clerical Administrative Training program, or completion of a clerical training program (240 hours), or 15 semester units (or equivalent quarter units) of coursework from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to 6 months of required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will:

1. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
2. Strong attention to detail and accuracy
3. Ability to perform repetitive tasks and physical work
4. Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently or as part of a team

To be considered for this position, applications must be received by 5 p.m. April 1, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the Elections Hiring Team at elections.careers@sfgov.org.

What else should I know?

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Carol Isen - Human Resources Director

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.