Office Assistant - Communications

Closing Date:  Thursday April 17th, 2025, at 9:00 PM (PST) OR once 200 applications have been received.

Position: Office Assistant

Department: Communications

Hourly Range:   $22.04 - $25.51

Classification:   Temporary

     Non-Exempt – Overtime Eligible

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, assist office staff by performing clerical duties.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: 

• Assist in the creation, editing, and distribution of eNewsletters, press releases, and other written communications.
• Support magazine production through content development, fact-checking, and coordinating with contributors.
• Assist with graphic design tasks for marketing materials, digital content, and print publications. Maintain filing system for department documents.
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, and events related to communications projects.
• Handling incoming calls and other communications.
• Update paperwork, maintain documents and word processing.
• Perform general office duties and run errands.
• Coordinate events and travel as necessary.
• Opens, sorts, and distributes incoming mail.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive.  An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.  This position is considered non-exempt.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, community members, and stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Education and Experience:

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. 
• Currently enrolled in a college or university majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field is desirable.
• Previous experience in communications, journalism, graphic design, or related fields is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information.
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work.
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers.
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information.
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.

Guiding Principles

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient. 

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)  
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)   
• To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)  
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)  
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous) 
• Computations (frequent)  
• Generate Written Work Product (moderate)   
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)   
• Interruptions (frequent) 
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)  
• Organize (frequent)  

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.