Secretary (Basic Needs Center) Part-Time + Eligibility List

College of the Desert; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

College of the Desert seeks a capable Secretary to support a small program under a Coordinator/Director. The role involves a wide range of clerical tasks, document handling, and meeting coordination at the Palm Desert Campus.

It requires good communication, organization, and basic finance handling as part of daily duties. The position is grant funded with a 19.5-hour workweek, Monday to Wednesday mornings and Thursday mornings, at the Palm Desert Campus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of varied secretarial or clerical experience.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases and email.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute from clear copy.

Responsibilities

• Perform secretarial and clerical duties; coordinate communications between supervisor, staff and public.
• Review documents for accuracy and prepare routine correspondence.
• Schedule meetings, arrange travel and prepare meeting materials.
• Maintain and organize office files and financial records as assigned.
• Operate office machines and computer software including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Attend meetings and record notes; assist in training student assistants.

Skills

Secretarial skills

Clerical work

Word processing

Email & IT basics

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database software

Email platforms

Job description

Under the direction of a Coordinator, Supervisor or Director of a small program, perform a wide variety of secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department or function.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

1. Perform secretarial duties and assist the supervisor with a variety of clerical, secretarial and administrative duties; facilitate communications and coordinate activities between the supervisor, staff, public and other personnel; establish and maintain positive staff and public relations. E
2. Review documents, records and forms for accuracy, completeness and conformance to applicable rules and regulations; compose routine correspondence independently or from oral instructions; compile data for reports as requested. E
3. Monitor budget expenditures and transfers, and maintaining financial records as assigned; maintain current account balances as assigned. E
4. Order and maintain office supplies and other materials. E
5. Communicate information in person or by telephone where judgment, knowledge and interpretation of policies and regulations are necessary. E
6. Receive, open and distribute mail; receive visitors, answer telephone calls and refer to appropriate staff members. E
7. Type a variety of memoranda, reports and other materials. E
8. Arrange and schedule a variety of meetings, appointments and conferences; prepare materials for meetings as assigned. E
9. Train, assign and review the work of other employees or student assistants. E
10. Operate a variety of office machines and equipment including a computer and related software applications, typewriter, copier, calculator and other equipment. E
11. Maintain office files and prepare and type reports as necessary.
12. Attend a variety of meetings and record notes as assigned. E
13. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and two (2) years of varied and increasingly responsible secretarial or clerical experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of : Operations, procedures and methods of office to which assigned; modern office practices, procedures and equipment; applicable computer software programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email; record-keeping techniques and alpha and numeric filing systems; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; receptionist and telephone techniques.

Ability to : Perform a wide variety of secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department or function; assemble diverse data for the preparation of reports; maintain complex and varied files and records; type at 45 words net per minute from clear copy; interpret and apply specific rules, policies and procedures of the department or function to which assigned; operate a variety of office machines and equipment, including typewriter, computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email and other related programs, calculator, copier and other equipment; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information in person and on the telephone; meet schedules and time lines; prepare and type reports, correspondence and related materials; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to file materials; sit or stand for extended periods of time.

• Classified Bargaining Unit Position
• Classified Staff Salary Range 7
• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria.
• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
• (POSITION IS GRANT FUNDED):Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of Grant and or Self-Generated Revenue funds.
• Note: This posting is for 1 current vacancy and to establish a 6-month eligibility list for current and future part‑time Secretary openings in the Basic Needs Center.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 19.5 hours per week.
• The schedule is Monday – Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.

• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.

• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.

TIMELINES:

• September 18, 2026.
• October 27, 2026.
• November 9, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.