Description
PEOPLE FIRST – Conduct fair, accurate, and transparent elections to increase public participation and confidence.
The San Mateo County Registration & Elections Division is seeking full-time seasonal extra-help Election Materials Proofreaders to assist in the upcoming June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. This is an excellent nonpartisan opportunity to be involved in the election process!
We are currently seeking dedicated and hard-working individuals for the position of Proofreader. Proofreaders will be hired into one of four language-based teams (English, Chinese, Filipino, or Spanish).
This announcement is for English proofreaders.
All Proofreaders will be responsible for proofreading and copyediting election materials leading up to established election deadlines. Proofreaders will review, edit, and proofread documents for accuracy, context, readability, and syntax.
Proofreaders will work remotely using equipment provided by the Registration & Elections Division. Towards the end of the assignment, two days of on-site work will be required for final proofs of physical material.
Examples of projects and materials needing to be proofread include, but are not limited to:
The Elections Materials Proofreader is classified as an Office Specialist. The hourly wage for this position starts at $33.44.
NOTE: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra-help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Some extra-help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.
IDEAL CANDIDATES for the Proofreader positions will have the following:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in proofreading, editing, journalism, translating, literature, or another related field.
- Technical writing certificate or other related certification (preferred).
Work Experience:
- At least six months of experience proofreading documents and/or translating in the target language (English, Chinese, Filipino or Spanish).
- Professional background in proofreading, editing, journalism, translating, creative or technical writing, or another related field.
Technical Skills:
- Competency in additional Microsoft Office Suite applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote.
- Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint and One Drive.
- Experience with or ability to learn Microsoft Teams or equivalent video-conferencing software.
Critical Skills for all Election Materials Proofreader – Office Specialist positions:
The ability to prioritize work, coordinate several activities simultaneously, organize and maintain accurate files and records, use spreadsheets to track files and task progress, and understand and carry out oral and written directions. Strong organization and time management skills are essential.
Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. These positions WILL require weekend and evening work assignments, sometimes with short notice. The selected individuals MUST be available for the entire employment period until the completion of their assignment for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election.
The Elections Division is an exciting, fast-paced environment, especially as elections approach. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a group of dynamic, well-organized, and highly efficient individuals committed to the democratic process.
More information about the organization is available on the Elections Division website
www.smcacre.gov.
Application/Examination
This is an extra-help recruitment. Anyone may apply. To apply you must complete the San Mateo County Application Form.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.
At the County of San Mateo, we welcome and celebrate the diversity of our employees, and strive to create a workplace where they feel valued every day.
Recruitment Schedule
Application Screening (tentative): week of November 24, 2025
Interviews (tentative): December 1-19, 2025
