Temporary Administrative Assistant, Murray County (Slayton, MN)

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

In-person work at Murray County Office

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant in Murray County, MN. The role supports county Extension programs, works at the front desk, and handles day-to-day operations with a focus on 4-H and ANR activities.

The position is 50% time (20 hours/week), in-person at Murray County Extension Office in Slayton, MN, with schedule determined by supervisor. Start by Nov 30, 2026 and end by Mar 12, 2027.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and one year of related clerical/administrative experience or equivalent combination.
• Strong customer service experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with email, calendaring, word processing, spreadsheets and database software.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operations support for county Extension programs and activities.
• Serve as first point of contact for customers, visitors, and community members.
• Assist with 4-H, Master Gardener, and ANR program support including enrollment and events.
• Maintain databases and generate reports; support clerical and technical needs.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Email & calendaring

Office software proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

QuickBooks

Job description

About the Job

Title: Temporary Administrative Assistant, Murray County

Job Code: 1811, Office Support Assistant

Employee Group: AFSCME Clerical

Appointment: Part-time, 50% time (20 hours/week); work schedule to be arranged at hire

Regular/Temporary: Temporary, anticipated start date is Nov 30, 2026, ending no later than March 12, 2027

Office location: Murray County Extension, Slayton, MN; in-person and in-office work

Pay Range: $23.24 - $25.11/hour; depending on qualifications

Apply by: October 30, 2026

About the Job

This position is part of a county Extension office staff team who are vital to Extension's outreach mission in connecting local needs with University of Minnesota resources. This position provides support to the local 4-H program and all Extension programs and activities. This position provides day-to-day operations, including customer service and administrative support for county Extension programs and activities. This position will report to the Regional Director, Southwest Region. The person in this position serves a vital role as the first point of contact for customers, visitors, and community members and performs general office duties as assigned.

Location and Work Environment

This position is not remote and requires working in the office. Work is typically performed in an ordinary office environment and often involves working at the front desk, where the employee greets and assists visitors. There may be frequent interruptions during the workday. Physical activity is light and intermittent, such as walking through the facility or carrying files or materials. Occasional attendance at evening meetings may be required. Driving for short errands or intermittently to meetings. Work may be performed at alternate sites, including public event spaces and county fairgrounds, to support events.

Work Schedule

Office hours will be within the hours of 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday, and the supervisor will determine the schedule. Occasional attendance at evening meetings may be required. This position is anticipated to begin November 30, 2026, and is currently planned to end no later than March 12, 2027.

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned

Program Support (75%)

• Assists Extension staff in planning and developing resources and events:
  • Provides logistical support (meeting rooms, catering, registration)
  • Supports evaluation efforts
• Assists in communicating Extension programs through website updates, social media, listservs, newsletters, and print and radio media.
• Helps to ensure Extension is adhering to applicable county and University policies
• Provides direct support to the county Master Gardener program, as requested
• Provides direct and back-up support for the county 4-H program and local ANR program:
  • Supports program volunteers and members with enrollment, event registration, and promotion materials
  • Maintains databases and generates reports, including county fair 4-H database
  • Provides clerical, logistical, and technical support for 4-H and ANR programming

Office and the General Administration (25%)

• Operates and maintains general office equipment; consults with IT as appropriate.
• Orders, maintains, and manages office supplies and publications for the department.
• Processes office mail.
• Processes county claims and invoices.
• Maintains schedule for office meeting rooms.
• Participate in training, professional staff development, and conferences.
• Point of contact for the county Extension office; receives, greets, and responds to requests; provides resources and referrals to questions and distributes requests/messages to correct parties
• Provides clerical and technical office support for all Extension programs and staff
• Assists with creating and modifying electronic documents, brochures, program fliers, posters, reports and correspondence. Prints, scans and files materials.
• Provides support to the county Extension committee (CEC):
  • Regular communication with CEC regarding meetings, upcoming events, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and one year of related clerical, office or administrative experience OR equivalent combination of relevant office work experience AND related education in administrative support course work/office setting to total one year.
• Strong customer service experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with email, calendaring, word processing, spreadsheets and database software.
• Proficient with standard office equipment.
• Proficient with general bookkeeping.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle with required insurance, as some driving will be required, including regular short errands or driving to meetings.
  • Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, and carry up to 50 pounds to different areas of the facility
• Must be able to work regularly at the Murray County Extension Office in Slayton, MN
• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, able to prioritize work, manage workflow with unexpected interruptions, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Experience with QuickBooks or other financial management software
• Experience with websites and social media

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.24 - $25.11/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment (20 hours/week)

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.