Returning Officer

Returning Officer – Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

Location: Hybrid/Across Alberta

Closing Date: January 19, 2026

Position Status: 5 Temporary, Full Time hours/week)

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is seeking five (5) Returning Officers (RO) to join our Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (OCEO) Team to assist with the upcoming Provincial Women's Representative By-Election, and District Council Elections for Red Deer, Calgary-Nose Hill, St. Paul-Cold Lake and Wabasca-Desmarais Métis Districts. This is a temporary position that will require availability to work between hours/week, including evening and weekend availability from January 26 until March 3. Candidates should be prepared to work from home and travel to Edmonton and across the province.

The Returning Officers (RO) will manage and provide direction to the Deputy Returning Officers (DRO's) and Poll Clerks (PC's) working their assigned polling locations. Polling locations will be running across Alberta, in each of the 22 Métis Districts. The RO will be responsible for overseeing all polling stations, managing the electoral process, and ensuring the voting process is carried out in accordance with the Elections and Referenda Act.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Electoral Officers (DCEO's), the RO will assist the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in the election process. The RO will be responsible for the fair and efficient running of the elections, including:

• Providing information and instructions for DRO's and PC's,
• Acting as the primary contact for issues raised by Polling Station Staff,
• Running the election process, and
• Providing information to the OCEO about the conduct of the vote at the polling location.

The Returning Officers will possess excellent organizational, communication, management, and leadership skills to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the upcoming Elections. Background knowledge on the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the history of the Métis Nation of Alberta is preferred. Training will be provided as part of this role; however, the RO will be expected to maintain a degree of independence and ability to oversee and manage a team of polling station staff throughout the province.

This role will involve short timelines for training and deployment to support the voting event. Please be aware that we are expecting to onboard people as soon as possible.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office software.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing a diverse team.
• Proven conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with overseeing operations/projects.
• Adaptable and flexible with changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Possess political awareness and sensitivity when interacting with others.
• Ability to work well with a team or independently.
• Working knowledge of Cree and/or Michif is considered an asset.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of elections and voting processes within Canada, at the Federal, Provincial, or Municipal level.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Returning Officer or similar role is an asset. Candidates with several years' experience in a similar role will be strongly considered.
• Bachelor's degree in political science or equivalent is considered a strong asset.
• Deep knowledge of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, its bylaws, history, goals, and objectives. Knowledge of Métis culture and issues affecting Métis people is an asset.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must not be an elected member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
  • Note: A person who is the spouse, child, brother, sister, mother, or father of a candidate for the District Elections is ineligible to be appointed as a Returning Officer.

Other Requirements

• Availability to travel frequently across Alberta is required.
• Reliable transportation and a valid Class 5 Driver's License.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.
• On days of vote, Returning Officers will be required to work 7:30 am – 9/10:00 pm.
• Must be able to provide a clean Police Information Check (Criminal Record Check).

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.