Returning Officer – Temporary Contract Position

Position Objectives:

Position Reports To: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Smoky Lake County

Subordinate Positions: Smoky Lake County Municipal Election Workers and Deputy Returning Officer

Deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest which outlines your skills and qualifications to the attention of the CAO at 4612 McDougall Drive, Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0 or cao@smokylakecounty.ab.ca

Position Summary: Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Returning Officer is responsible for conducting the 2025 Smoky Lake County Municipal Election ensuring all activities are conducted in compliance with the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct the 2025 Smoky Lake County Municipal Election ensuring all activities are conducted in compliance with the LAEA, including but not limited to: • Serve as the Returning Officer for the 2025 Smoky Lake County Municipal Election. • Attend Returning Officer training (if required). • Review, update and develop elections materials. • Serve as the primary contact for the public and candidates through the election process. • Ensure a prospective candidate’s package is available and outline the campaign regulations and requirements for candidates (as per the LAEA). • Ensure an adequate number of polling stations are set up within the County’s five divisions and properly staff. • Collect candidate nomination papers. • Declare any acclaimed candidates. • Recruit and train a sufficient number of election workers for advance polls and Election Day. • Work with municipal staff to obtain necessary supplies. • Elections advertising coordination and placement. • Recounts as required. • Coordinate with School Division for trustees’ vote. • Ensuring all aspects of the Election (including those as described above) are conducted in accordance with the LAEA. • Post-Election Day materials coordination. • Compile results for tracking and data integrity. • Working cohesively with Smoky Lake County staff. • Ensure compliance with OH&S and ensuring work is completed in a safe manner. Please note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent.
• Previous Returning Officer experience is preferred.
• Previous supervisory/leadership experience is preferred.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License

Working Conditions

• Typical office conditions.
• Long periods of sitting, reading and concentration. 
• Ability to work in a high-pressure and at times high-stress environment.

Desirable Training and Experience:

• Knowledge of the LAEA is preferred.
• Superior interpersonal skills including the ability to provide effective feedback and direction.
• High degree of professionalism, courteousness, and respect.
• Experience dealing with the media is considered an asset.
• Good communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
• Strong technical abilities and basic computer skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment under a variety of situations.
• Ability and desire to provide leadership and supervision.

More Information:

Kevin Lucas, CAO
Smoky Lake County
4612 McDougall Drive
Box 310
Smoky Lake, AB     T0A 3C0

cao@smokylakecounty.ab.ca