Administrative Assistant Job Description
City of Sonoma
Updated: 5/3/2017
Definition
To perform responsible administrative and clerical duties in support of a City department or
division; to provide administrative support to assigned projects or programs; and to provide
information and respond to questions from the public.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey level in the single level Administrative Assistant class. Incumbents initially
perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this series and work under close
supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full
range of duties as assigned with increasing independence.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general supervision from an assigned department manager.
Examples of Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform a wide variety of complex administrative support functions related to department or
division operations, programs and services; perform routine and special administrative
projects for management staff.
- Provide information to the public in response to questions or requests; explain policies and
procedures; may receive and review a variety of permit or license application materials;
calculate and collect fees as appropriate; issue permits.
- Perform a variety of clerical accounting functions in the preparation, maintenance and
processing of accounting records and financial transactions; receive cash payments; reconcile
cash entries and balance cash drawer.
- Prepare a variety of reports related to the activities and programs of the department and/or
division; compile information and statistics; copy and distribute reports and documents.
- Provide administrative support to various boards, commissions and/or committees; attend
meetings and take minutes; prepare and distribute agenda packets and public notices.
- Maintain the department's maintenance work order management system; input work orders
into the system; assigning work orders to supervisors; and closing out completed work orders.
- Prepare draft letters for initial operational or customer inquiry responses.
- May maintain and update portions of the city's website with respect to content, including
agendas, minutes, packets, announcements, and similar items.
- Schedule inspections and meetings; maintain appointment schedules and calendars.
- Maintain various department files in both hard copy and electronic version; process and file a
variety of documents including timesheets, invoices, contract documents and application
forms.
- Oversee supplies and equipment; order and purchase supplies as necessary.
- Receive, sort and distribute mail; independently respond to various letters and
correspondence not requiring the attention of management staff.
- Provide customer service over the phone and in person.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the
public using principles of good customer service.
- Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
- Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of office management.
- Principles and practices of routine research and report writing.
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Modern office methods, procedures, and computer equipment including applicable software programs.
- Pertinent City and department functions, policies, rules and regulations.
- Principles and practices of cash handling and bookkeeping.
- Basic arithmetic.
Ability to:
- Perform a wide variety of complex administrative support functions related to
department or division operations, programs and services.
- Intermittently, review and evaluate documents related to department operations; observe,
identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and
explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve issues
for the public and with staff.
- On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time or stand at public counter;
intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and
fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written
means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
- Understand the organization and operation of the City and of assigned department.
- Plan, organize and schedule priorities.
- Calculate fees, fines and other charges; receive payments and handle cash.
- Neatly and accurately compose clear and concise reports, applications, and general
correspondence; organize information and present data in a usable format.
- Compile and maintain complex records and files.
- Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
- Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable
software.
- Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job
responsibilities.
- Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.
- Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
- Experience: Two years of responsible administrative and clerical experience.
- Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college course
work in business, accounting or a related field.
License and Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license as required by the
position.