ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 5 *03232
- Description
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The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.
Administrative Assistant 5Full-Time / PermanentWe are recruiting to fill one (1) full-time permanent Administrative Assistant 5 position within the Director’s Office, Region 1 Office, located in Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington.As the principle assistant, this position provides all administrative support to the Regional Director and is responsible for regional and district office administrative and facilities management. In the absence of the Regional Director, the position has delegated authority (provided in writing) to sign documents, authorize permits, prepare correspondence, handle personnel matters, handle all contract matters and meet deadlines. The position assists the regional director in the implementation and logistics of key agency initiatives and assists in local/regional policy development and provides support for agency legislative initiatives. This position represents the Regional Director at public meetings, on video conferences, and other venues. In such settings the incumbent is expected to speak for the Regional Director and is authorized to do so without any set limitations. The incumbent is expected to exercise good professional judgment when representing the Regional Director, responding fully to areas in which he/she has an understanding of the Regional Director’s position and providing as much information as possible when he/she may not be fully aware of that position.
This position develops and coordinates the regional budget of $1.4 million (a part of the Director’s Office budget), including; monitor program performance including allotments and expenditures, respond to inquiries on regional budget, and develop legislative budget requests. The position has delegated signature authority from each Regional Program Manager for approving expenditures for program budget codes in the absence of an RPM.
- The incumbent in this position is the direct supervisor for administrative and customer service personnel (3 FTEs), and provides support for all Regional management staff as well as contribute to special projects and assignments.
- Provides leadership that is effective, efficient and results in public confidence.
- Serves as Region 1 public records officer.
- Exhibits behavior that fosters an environment of respect and trust to promote quality management and decision-making.
- Participates in policy development that contributes to quality decision-making.
- Develops and maintains regional partnerships with public, tribal representatives, volunteers and service groups who share responsibility for fish and wildlife within the Region.
- Demonstrates a complete awareness of WDFW and OFM policies, procedures and commercial/recreational harvest rules and regulations for knowledgeable interactions with the public and diverse groups – legislative, tribal, commercial, recreational customers and for use in training staff.
- Duties
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Regional Office Operations and Assistance to Regional Director including implementation of key agency initiatives, regional policy development and support for legislative initiatives.
- Assist Regional Director in adapting agency policies for regional implementation and in regional policy development.
- Stay current with latest information regarding agency key policy and legislative initiatives and be able to provide that information to staff, public, other governments, etc.
- Assist Regional Director in identifying local needs/issues to be included in the development of new initiatives. Responsible for the Regional Continuity of Operations Plan, safety committee, and implementation of statewide initiatives locally such as the Discover Pass, Conservation Initiative, the fee bill and how it impacts field trial and fish stocking permit applicants, etc.
- Responsible for leading day to day operations for the regional office. Coordinates office administration and facilities management of district offices.
- Organize and prioritize work.
- Remain focused on tasks and work efficiently, effectively handling competing priorities.
- Work with confidential documents and time sensitive calendaring. Use delegated authority, provided in writing, from the Regional Director appropriately.
- Write, assign, review, approve and prepare for signature executive & program correspondence.
- Track correspondence to ensure responses within 14-day guidelines.
- Receive research, generate and interpret data and information for reports.
- Communicate confidential or time sensitive information to provide regional director and staff with timely and accurate information to meet program and agency needs.
- Monitor information requests of program staff and ensure response deadlines are met. Exercise delegated signature authority on RD’s behalf for permits, OPFs, correspondence, etc.
- Attend weekly Regional Management Team meetings, represent program interests, and substitute for the Regional Director as needed. Provide support for Cross Program Teams.
- Serves as the Regional PDR officer and is responsible to ensure PDR request are researched and submitted within the time allotted.
- Collaborate with others to resolve conflicts.
- Display knowledge of Departmental policies, RCWs, WACs.
- Speak before groups, obtain cooperation and work effectively with others.
- Use effective persuasion to gain acceptance and commitment from constituents.
- Utilize public speaking and other verbal communications to share visions and to build credibility as a representative.
- Maintain contact with the public and constituents.
- Represent Regional Director in weekly Director Coordination Team meetings as delegated to do so.
- Attend and support public meetings and commission meetings that take place within the region. In the absence of, and as delegated by the Regional Director, utilizes best professional judgment to speak without limitation on his/her behalf at such meetings regarding agency functions and policies. Represent the Regional Director at civic functions and speak without limitation on his/her behalf (utilizing best professional judgment).
Fiscal responsibility
Lead the development and monitoring of the regional budget in coordination with the regional director. Maintain regional fiscal accountability. Analyze and prepare financial reports and spread sheets. Ensure compliance with all internal and external auditing requirements. Receive, generate, and interpret data and information for reports.- Develops and manages the regional budget of $1.4 million (a part of the Director’s Office budget), including; monitor program performance including allotments and expenditures, respond to inquiries on regional budget, and develop legislative budget requests. Ensure that the regional budget stays within allotments.
- Identify need for various contracts for services to regional/district offices (such as janitorial, security, landscaping, HVAC, emergency maintenance, etc.).
- Develop and advertise for pertinent contracts and identify top candidates for consideration.
- Make the eventual selection of individuals/companies to provide contracted services.
- Work with the contracts office to award contracts and then follow up each contract to ensure that proper implementation and payments are occurring.
- Organize and manage offices to better serve a large, urban population.
- Use computer software programs for spreadsheet applications, word processing and office communication. Review, understand, analyze and prepare financial reports and spread sheets.
- Review information carefully, recognizing when pertinent information is incorrect or missing.
- Keep up-to-date on changes to fiscal procedures, principles, standards, rates, etc.
- Ensure all financial data is properly calculated and reported.
- Verify accuracy of Enterprise Reports and monitor office supply orders.
- Reconcile all accounts, including petty cash and licensing accounts on a monthly basis. Report and correct any discrepancies.
- Work with large amounts of cash and negotiables.
- Purchase and maintain office equipment, furniture, telecommunication systems and supplies.
- Plan, assign and organize work of subordinates related to fiscal management.
- Ensure optimum usage of Regional facilities supplies and FTEs.
- Serve as Region 1 Public Records Officer.
- Chair safety committee.
- Act as liaison between regional employees and safety personnel in Olympia on risk management issues.
- Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with all internal and external auditing requirements.
- Maintain Regional inventory, purchasing, tagging and tracking.
- Work to ensure that the regional budget stays within allotments.
- Work with HQ to follow-up and coordinate capital project development and implementation.
- Identify need and implement IT improvements in all regional/district offices.
Lead, control, direct and supervise customer service staff and customer service program. Provide regional office function and support for all Regional staff.
- Serve as the liaison with the Director’s Office to respond to public complaints or problems that come from the Governor’s Office or directly to the agency. Investigates complaints and responds as appropriate.
- Mentor, manage, counsel and train staff in problem solving and performance.
- Assess the training needs of staff, identifying strengths and areas to be developed.
- Train staff on use of agency information, data, and forms.
- Recruit, interview, hire and supervise employees.
- Monitor performance, schedule work, and perform evaluations.
- Ensure consistency in the information provided to the public by Customer Service staff. Help staff to identify key goals and take effective steps to keep them focused on these goals.
- Plan ahead to minimize impacts on staff.
- Model success behaviors, high performance work ethic and work toward constant self-improvement.
- Set meaningful expectations and establish priorities.
- Utilize public speaking and other verbal communication skills to share visions and to build credibility as a WDFW representative.
- Maintain contact with the public and constituents.
- Coordinate with agency staff and private businesses in promoting WDFW to the public during expositions and meetings.
Travel, meeting, and schedule coordination
- Initiate, assign, review and prepare for signature executive correspondence, often utilizing information based on results of inquiries and investigation.
- Also assists Programs with emergent travel, scheduling and meeting needs for the Regional Program Managers.
- Arrange travel, meetings or events, coordinate schedules and develop itineraries
Use and assistance of technology
Use computer software programs for spreadsheet applications, interactive building management programs, word processing and office communication.- Provide backup assistance to staff for both computer hardware and software issues.
Provide information to customers, other agencies, tribes and the public regarding agency and regional policies, management programs and key initiatives. Other duties as assigned.
- Read, understand and interpret complex laws and regulations.
- Initiate and prepare correspondence.
- Conduct research.
- Take initiative to maintain an accurate understanding of multiple programs and utilize independent judgment to explain these programs and adaptations to specific situations.
- Review, evaluate and recommend changes of policies and operating procedures to programs and/or Regional Director based on interaction with the public and with staff.
- Ensure that staff has the most up to date flyers and pertinent news releases/rule changes available for the customers. Be sure that information being disseminated is accurate and complete.
- Qualifications
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Required Qualifications
- Two (2) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 4 OR four (4) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 OR alternatively, five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as an office or business manager in the public or private sector.
- A valid Washington State Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record in order to attend meetings and events.
The incumbent will have the following knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors:
- A self-starter who is self-confident, has the ability to make sound business decisions in a demanding environment, and is able to work with diverse programs and personalities.
- A willingness to take on new assignments, difficult projects and accept challenges is necessary.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work. Remain focused on tasks and work efficiently, effectively handling competing priorities.
- Exhibits leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates experience in providing service to others, which includes conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Collaborates with others to resolve conflicts.
- Displays knowledge of Departmental policies, RCWs, WACs.
- Ability to speak before groups, obtain cooperation and, work effectively with others.
- Use effective persuasion to gain acceptance and commitment from constituents.
- Manage and accept continual interruptions and multiple projects or requests with competing deadlines to provide Regional Director and program staff with accessible and consistent administrative support.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task.
- Knowledge of LEAN management processes and implementation.
- Keep up-to-date on changes to fiscal procedures, principles, standards, rates, etc.
- Read, understand and interpret complex laws and regulations.
- Take initiative to maintain an accurate understanding of multiple programs and utilize independent judgment to explain these programs and adaptations to specific situations.
- Models success behaviors, high performance work ethic and work toward constant self-improvement.
- Demonstrates commitment to personal growth.
- Stays current on emerging ideas and technology.
- Acts as a positive influence on others and model professional behavior.
- Sets meaningful expectations and establishes priorities.
- Familiarity with fiscal documents, ability to read and understand spreadsheets.
- Planning and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or closely allied field.
- Three (3) years of administrative or supervisory experience.
- Supplemental Information
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Working Conditions
Duties primarily take place in the Region 1 office, lab, and surround grounds. Typical work schedule is eight hour per days, five days per week, but the incumbent must be available for emergencies or when circumstances require more than the normal eight-hour workday, or a flexible schedule. As security company liaison for headquarters building, lab/shop building and separate warehouse located 20 miles from the office, available on call 24/7. Occasional travel for meetings, to give or take training, or to visit district offices or field locations.How to Apply
To apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:- A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
- A current resume (please make it succinct)
- Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.
Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.Insurance BenefitsEmployees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Vacation (Annual Leave)You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.Holidays
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:HOLIDAYDATENew Year’s DayJanuary 1Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthdayThird Monday in JanuaryPresidents’ DayThird Monday in FebruaryMemorial DayLast Monday in MayIndependence DayJuly 4Labor DayFirst Monday in SeptemberVeterans’ DayNovember 11Thanksgiving DayFourth Thursday in November & Friday afterChristmas DayDecember 25Personal HolidayEmployee’s selection each calendar year*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
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01In order to qualify for this position, you must have two (2) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 4 OR four (4) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant 3 OR alternatively, five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as an office or business manager in the public or private sector. Do you meet this requirement?
- Yes
- No
02What best describes your highest level of education:- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- None of the above
03Do you have a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in business administration, public administration, or a related field? (Answering No will not eliminate you for consideration of the position).- Yes
- No
04Describe your experience with administrative/office management, including the job(s) in which you gained the experience and length of time. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.05Please describe your experience composing, editing and/or proofreading memos, correspondence, reports, agendas, meeting minutes and other documents. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.06Please describe your experience in successfully monitoring, managing, developing, and accounting for budgets, including the size and type of budget, including funding sources. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.07How do you organize your work when you have to juggle multiple projects at the same time? Please be specific.08Please describe your customer service philosophy.09This position will supervise the Customer Service work unit, what skills do you have, or techniques will you use, to promote a sense of teamwork?10Select the option that best describes your typing skills in words per minute (wpm).- 20 – 29 wpm
- 30 – 39 wpm
- 40 – 49 wpm
- 50 – 59 wpm
- 60 wpm or more
11Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver’s license? (If selected for an interview, you may be required to bring a copy of your license and driving record at the time of the interview.)- Yes
- No
12Have you included the following information in your online application? 1. Your chronological employment history in your profile 2. A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3. A current resume; chronological preferred 4. Three professional references 5. Responses to all supplemental questions- Yes
- No
Required Question
- Agency
- State of Washington
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
- Phone
- View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov