ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II

The salary for this position is: $4,902 - $6,521 monthly.

The Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Administrative Assistant II to join our Administrative Services Team in CPED. Under the guidance of the Administrative Services Manager and in collaboration with other CPED leadership, the Administrative Assistant II will provide direct support to the WSU Extension Division, as well as the Fiscal Division, and other duties to support the priorities of the department.

The Administrative Assistant II will be joining the Administrative Services Team within the Community Planning & Economic Development team, a dynamic, supportive environment where you can contribute to the efficient operations of a diverse range of projects throughout the department. As a part of the team, you will gain valuable experience in local government processes, enhance your organizational skills, and have direct impact on shaping the future of CPED. It’s a great place for professional growth where you can make a meaningful difference in your community.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides full administrative and technical support to the CPED department leadership, or their designee, including responsibility for overseeing all departmental accounting functions, which may include assisting with development and monitoring of the CPED and WSU Extension budgets.
• Approves routine expenditures. Prepares financial records; compiles data and prepares estimates, statement, statistical reports, billings, and other business reports.
• Performs research and compiles data. Designs databases and other programs to track and analyze information and prepares materials for presentations, as needed.
• Receives, researches, coordinates material and fulfills Public Records Requests.
• Researches and drafts recommendations on procedures and activities.
• Provide administrative support to the County Ag Advisory Committee, including but not limited to: scheduling meetings and events, running meetings, meeting minutes, responding to residents on behalf of the Committee, performing research and creating reports, and independently conducting follow-up assignments.
• Administrative support responsibilities including but not limited to: mail processing, schedule management, voicemails, record keeping, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment –Quiet office setting primarily sitting at a front reception desk or in a cubicle. Most days will be at WSU Extension office, located at Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center, with some work performed at the Atrium.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

Community Planning & Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.

The team members of Community Planning & Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED works to conserve natural resources, plan for resilient communities, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient and plan for future growth.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.

HAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Depending on assignment, some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of college level course work in office support, general business, accounting, or another closely related field.
• At least three years experience in a senior level office support position, with at least two years experience providing accounting or budgeting support. Additional experience may substitute college education year for year.
• Ability to use computer equipment and related software programs is required.
A current Washington State Driver's License may be required.

DESIRED SKILLS :

• Background in managing and oversee contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, budgets, and timelines.
• Ability to design marketing materials using graphic design tools such as Canva. Knowledge of the double-entry bookkeeping and governmental accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of the BARS governmental accounting and reporting systems.
• Familiarity of managing Microsoft Teams channels.
• Demonstrate superior interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of office management and work organization.
• Ability to follow directions and quickly adapt to changing conditions and complex circumstances.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop and implement sound solutions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, other organizations and the general public.
Ability to work in a team environment.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Alana Bradshaw, Administrative Services Manager (360) 480-0237.

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
List of three references

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.