Job Details

Administrative Assistant I/II

The City of Palm Desert is seeking an Administrative Assistant I/II to join the Administrative Support Team, providing technical and administrative support that requires working knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, along with support in personnel, inventory, and procurement. Key responsibilities include collecting, processing, verifying, and tracking invoices and purchasing card receipts; preparing and maintaining accurate supporting documentation; assisting with procurement-related activities; and supporting front office operations by greeting visitors, answering phones, and receiving and distributing mail.

Under immediate (I) or general (II) supervision, performs a variety of technical administrative duties requiring substantial knowledge of the administrative procedures and practices of an assigned department, division, or program; provides technical and secretarial administrative support to management and departmental staff; provides information and assistance to the public and City staff related to administration of department programs, projects, and services; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. May provide functional direction to subordinate or less experienced employees.

Administrative Assistant I: (Salary range $62,899 - $86,341 annually) This is the entry-level classification in the Management series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform work that has technical administrative aspects, requiring the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as the performance of various research functions. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Management Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Administrative Assistant II: (Salary range $69,410 - $95,285 annually) This is the fully-qualified journey-level classification in the Administrative Assistant series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Administrative Assistant I level in that incumbents possess a comprehensive, authoritative understanding of department or division administrative functions and activities and may provide secretarial support to management staff in addition to completing administrative and technical assignments and assisting in the administration of department projects and programs. Incumbents at this level typically perform a wide variety of technical administrative support duties requiring the use of considerable discretion and independent judgment in performing assigned work. Incumbents have responsibility for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of their assigned program(s) or operational area(s). Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products or services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This class is distinguished from Executive Assistant in that the latter is a single-position classification providing highly responsible and complex administrative assistance to the City Manager.

Positions in the Administrative Assistant class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Management II level may be filled by advancement from the Administrative Assistant I level; progression to the Administrative Assistant II level is subject to management approval and is dependent on the incumbent (i) performing the full range of duties assigned to the Administrative Assistant II level, and (ii) acquiring the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the Management II level of the series.

Some of the knowledge and ability statements below may apply to a Management Technician I in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Operations, services, programs, policies, procedures, and processes of the department to which the position is assigned.
• Modern office management practices, procedures, technology, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Record keeping and filing systems and methods.
• Methods and practices of technical data research, analysis, and report preparation.
• Basic business arithmetic and bookkeeping.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Methods of preparing and processing various records, reports, forms, and other documents specific to assigned program, department, or division.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Accurately and efficiently perform technical administrative work using independent judgment.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Gather, compile, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare, review, and present reports and other correspondence and communications in a clear and concise manner.
• Maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Maintain confidentiality and be discreet in handling and processing sensitive information and data.
• Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
• Accurately perform arithmetic and financial computations.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Administrative Assistant I/II: Equivalent to completion of 60 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university, including at least 15 units in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.

Administrative Assistant I: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible and varied clerical support experience.

Administrative Assistant II: Four (4) years of increasingly responsible and varied clerical, administrative, and office support experience, including at least two (2) years equivalent to that of a Administrative Assistant I.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Notary Public certification may be required for certain assignments.