Bilingual (English-Chinese) Translator/Proofreader and Phone Operator – San Francisco Department of Elections (1404 Clerk)

City and County of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

In preparation for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, the Department is seeking applications for two seasonal bilingual positions to assist with translating, proofreading and audio proofing official election materials and providing election information to the public in person, by email, and over the phone. Applicants must be bilingual in Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, or both) with a high command of English. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic and a high level of integrity. This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including grammar and spelling, with equivalent proficiency in written Traditional Chinese appropriate for official government publications. The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail and demonstrated abilities to learn new subject matter and work on several projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. 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 responsibilities:

Initially, staff in this position will translate and proofread materials and website content and will assist with compiling, proofing, and producing all versions of the official ballot, in paper, touchscreen and audio formats, in English and Chinese and the Voter Information Pamphlet in Chinese and English. Approximately one month prior to Election Day, this position will transition to work in the phone bank to assist members of the public in person, via email, or over the phone, and provide election information to the public in English and Chinese. Depending on the Department’s operational needs, the person in this position may be required to assist in conducting outreach events and may need to staff the front counter.

Requirements

• 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.
• Bilingual skills such as proficiency in reading, writing, typing, speaking, and listening in English and Chinese.
• Must be available to work on-site at City Hall
• Must be available to work overtime both during the week and weekends as necessary.
• This position also requires sitting and standing for prolonged periods, being able to multitask between phone and computer, and may need to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to follow instructions and maintain strict version control
• Computer skills, including MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Internet research in English and Chinese are highly desired
• Verifiable professional experience or university-level coursework in written translation from English to Chinese, as well as professional or university-level writing in English
• General knowledge of San Francisco neighborhoods and districts
• Experience providing excellent customer service

Responsibilities

• Translating materials for use by the public
• Extensive proofreading (words, numbers, and format)
• Comparing vendor translations to English text and preferred Chinese terminology, suggesting revisions only as needed
• Creating candidate lists with accurate content and formatting
• Maintaining organized paper and electronic document files
• Assisting the public over the phone in a phone bank setting
• Providing in person assistance and providing election information while at the front counter or in the field during outreach tabling events
• Assisting in the Emergency Ballot Delivery Program as needed
• Assisting with post-election processing tasks

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed