IPRA Technician

Public Records Custodian

Under the direction of the County Manager or designee, serves as Grant County's records custodian by coordinating, reviewing, redacting, and responding to public records requests under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). The position receives and tracks requests through the Next Request portal; gathers responsive records from County departments; reviews records for applicable exemptions; performs electronic and video red actions;

coordinates with the County Attorney on complex requests; and ensures timely, accurate, and legally compliant responses.

• Receives, tracks, processes, and fulfills public records requests submitted through the County's Next Request portal in accordance with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and other applicable federal and state laws.
• Monitors statutory deadlines and prioritizes public records requests to ensure compliance with IPRA.
• Reviews requests to determine the records being sought; communicates with requesters to clarify requests when necessary and provides timely acknowledgements, status updates, extension notices, invoices when necessary, and records productions.
• Coordinates with County staff to identify, collect, and compile responsive records, including paper records, electronic records, emails, photographs, audio recordings, and video files.
• Reviews responsive records for confidential, protected, or otherwise exempt information and determines whether records require redaction, partial withholding, or additional legal review.
• Redacts records in accordance with IPRA and other applicable laws, including but not limited to personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (HIPAA), juvenile information, attorney-client privileged communications, confidential law enforcement information, financial account information, victim identifying information, and other records exempt from disclosure under state or federal law.
• Uses software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro, to redact electronic documents, photographs, audio recordings, body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, and other digital records while maintaining the integrity of the original record.
• Retrieves, reviews, processes, and exports body-worn camera footage, crime scene photographs, investigative photographs, and other digital evidence; identifies exempt information requiring redaction prior to release.
• Prepares records for production by separating exempt and non-exempt information in accordance with applicable law.
• Coordinates with the County Attorney regarding complex public records requests, subpoenas, court orders, litigation holds, and requests requiring legal interpretation.
• Researches applicable statutes, IPRA Compliance Guide, court decisions, County policies, and records retention requirements to assist in responding to public records requests.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of requests, correspondence, productions, invoices, and deadlines within the Next Request system.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma, or an equivalent recognized certificate.

• Two (2) years of experience in an office setting performing administrative support duties, including customer service, records maintenance, document preparation, file management, data entry, and proficiency with standard office software.
• An Associate's degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field may substitute for the required experience.
• Experience in records management, public sector administration, responding to public records requests, or as a paralegal or legal assistant is preferred.

• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), records retention requirements, and other applicable federal and state laws.
• Principles and practices of records management, records retention, and confidential records handling.
• Standard office practices, procedures, and office technology.
• Research methods and the interpretation of statutes, regulations, policies, and legal guidance.
• Electronic records management systems, document management, and file organization.
• Customer service principles and effective business communication.
• Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and other standard office software.

Skills in:

• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously, establishing priorities, and meeting statutory deadlines.
• Reviewing records for responsiveness, completeness, accuracy, and applicable exemptions.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and professional correspondence, reports, and records productions.
• Using office equipment and software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic records management systems, and document redaction software.
• Communicating…