Public Records Officer

Serves as the Public Records Officer for Island County. Responsible for organizing, coordinating and administering Countywide systems for physical and electronic records.

Develops and administers policies and procedures and oversees compliance relating to the Washington State Public Records Act and the County Public Disclosure Policy. Works with diverse individuals, groups, agencies and departments on effective records management and disclosure practices. Coordinates the collection, development and analysis of data and other information.

• Oversees compliance with the public records requirements pursuant to the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and serves as the subject matter expert for the County.
• Serves as the central contact person for members of the public regarding the location and inspection of public records.
• Works closely with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office to ensure operations are legal and consistent with the State-mandated public records requirements. Manages internal reviews of complaints and appeals from public records requestors.
• Assists in developing and implementing countywide policies and procedures within the responsibilities and authority designated in the Island County Code as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Public Records Act.
• Coordinates and integrates public records function for County departments, Board of County Commissioners and separately elected offices, except the Sheriff’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
• Works with employees in departments and offices in responding to Public Records Requests.
• Assesses technology tools used to track, log, redact, extract, collect and respond to public records requests and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Monitors department/office responses to public records requests to ensure timely fulfillment of requests and to mitigate potential liability.
• Coordinates communications with public records requestors, county departments and offices, and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as needed.
• Designs and coordinates a centralized public records training program for all county employees. Mentors and coaches designated county staff on public records policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with records management personnel to ensure that county policies and procedures provide for the efficient, economical and effective control over the management of county records production.
• Oversees the redaction of public records, including overseeing staff who perform redactions and reviewing redactions for compliance with the Public Records Act.
• Responsible for producing responsive records to requests.
• Coordinates responses with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for requests which require legal advice or interpretation according to County guidelines and legal authority.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of: the Public Records Act; principles and practices related to public records; federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to public records requests.
• Skilled in planning and organizing workflow.
• Able to analyze complex principles and requests.
• Familiarity with customer service principles.
• Ability to learn about public records technology, knowledge of GOV QA a plus.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintains interpersonal relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
• Present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner demonstrating applicable factual support.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Builds trust and works well with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Use County-approved technology, applications and programs, such as Microsoft 365 suite, proficiently. 

*ISLAND COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*

• A bachelor’s degree; experience in a legal setting or public agency environment; at least two (2) years of experience processing public records requests; or any equivalent combination of training or similar experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. 
• Certified Public Records Officer (CPRO) credentials preferred.

Salary : $27 - $29