Administrative Assistant - Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Administrative Support Assistant to provide advanced administrative and operational support for the unit’s part-time personnel functions. The role coordinates part-time hiring, onboarding, separations, and acts as the department initiator in a centralized financial model.

The position serves as a primary administrative resource for faculty and leadership, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and continuity of administrative support for the unit.

Qualifications

• Advanced administrative and operational support for unit processes.
• Independently coordinates part-time hiring, onboarding and separations.
• Acts as unit initiator in centralized financial model and pays/reconciles bills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate hiring for part-time and student employees, including onboarding and separations.
• Monitor payroll-related data for accuracy and coordinate resolutions with faculty and central offices.
• Administer undergraduate research programs, including stipends, onboarding, documentation and compliance tracking.
• Serve as administrative contact for department property inventory, facilities and package distribution.
• Interpret and apply university policies; advise on procedures and escalate complex issues.
• Initiate and pay recurring bills and departmental purchases (furniture, equipment, labs upgrades).
• Manage and post to department social media accounts.
• Assist with coordinating department events.

Skills

Administrative support

Hiring coordination

Onboarding

Timekeeping

Compliance

Communication

Education

GED or HS

Job description

The Administrative Support Assistant (Support) provides advanced administrative and operational support for the unit's part-time personnel functions. This position independently coordinates part-time hiring, timekeeping, onboarding, and separations as well as serves as department initiator in a centralized financial model. The role serves as a primary administrative resource for faculty and leadership, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and continuity of administrative support for the unit.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Independently plan, organize, and coordinate administrative processes related to hiring part-time and student employees, including onboarding and separations.
• Act as unit timekeeper and monitor payroll-related data for accuracy; identify issues and coordinate resolution with faculty and central offices
• Administer undergraduate research and training programs (e.g., NSF REU, Road Scholars, and grant workshops), including participant onboarding, stipend coordination, documentation, and compliance tracking
• Serve as the administrative contact for department property inventory, facilities, and package distribution for tracking and problem resolution
• Interpret and apply University, college, and unit policies; advise faculty and students on procedures and elevate complex issues as appropriate
• Act as unit initiator and pay and reconcile monthly, recurring bills for department and research activities (cable, electricity at remote research locations, etc.). Act as initiator for departmental purchases (furniture, equipment to upgrade labs, weather center, etc.)
• Manage and post to department social media accounts.
• Assist with supporting and coordinating department events as needed

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO Is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benef