Transfer and Career Centers Specialist

College of the Desert; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

College of the Desert is seeking an Office Assistant to orient students to the Transfer and Career Centers and provide information on available resources. The role includes assisting users of automated systems, advising on resources, cataloging materials, handling payments, and maintaining confidential records.

The position requires strong clerical skills and the ability to work with staff, students, and the public.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with clerical experience preferred.
• Familiarity with standard office software and data entry.
• Ability to maintain records and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Orient students to the Transfer and Career Centers and share available resources.
• Assist students in using resources and automated systems in the centers.
• Advise students on appropriate resources for their searches.
• Catalog and prepare transfer and career materials for use.
• Answer questions from staff, students and the public about the centers.
• Prepare and disseminate information and advertise career workshops.
• Schedule appointments for counselors and assist with workshop materials.
• Perform clerical and public contact work; operate office machines.
• Receive and record monies for events.
• Maintain records and generate usage reports; input student files.
• Research data and prepare special reports as requested.
• Assist in orientations to students, high school groups, and community organizations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Data entry

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Email

Record keeping

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Tact and courtesy

Office etiquette

Education

High school diploma + 2 years clerical experience

Tools

Computer terminal

Copier

Typewriter

Calculator

Job description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Orient students to the Transfer and Career Centers and provide information on available resources. E
• 2. Provide direct assistance to students in utilizing the various resources available in the Transfer and Career Centers including automated systems. E
• 3. Advise students on the best resource for their particular search. E
• 4. Catalog, process and prepare for use a variety of transfer and career materials. E
• 5. Answer questions from staff, students and the public regarding the Transfer and Career Centers. E
• 6. Prepare and disseminate information regarding the Transfer and Career Centers; advertise career workshops. E
• 7. Make appointments for the Transfer and Career Counselors; assist Transfer and Career Counselors with workshop materials; assist in administering diagnostic materials. E
• 8. Perform clerical and public contact work in support of the Transfer and Career Centers. Operate a variety of office machines including a computer and related software, copier, typewriter, and calculator. E
• 9. Receive and keep records of any monies collected for Transfer and Career Centers events. E
• 10. Maintain a variety of records and prepare reports indicated Centers usage and other data; input and maintain student files. E
• 11. Research and compile data and prepare special reports as requested. E
• 12. Assist in orientations to students, high school groups, community organizations and the general public.
• 13. Perform related duties as assigned.
• 14. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by two years of office clerical experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets and email; record-keeping techniques; operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to: Perform clerical and public contact work in support of the Transfer and Career Centers; operate office machines including a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets and email; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information in person and on the telephone; maintain records and prepare reports; understand and work within established policies, guidelines and regulations; communicate information to staff, students and public; prioritize and schedule work; meet schedules and timelines; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; maintain confidentiality of student information; work confidentially with discretion; sit or stand for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch.

• Classified
• E=Essential Functions

SALARY PLACEMENT

• Range 8
• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

WORKING CONDITIONS Environment

Office environment. Constant interruptions.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (1 hour Lunch); Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

• List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

• College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

• 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.
• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call [phone].

• For consideration, please apply by Monday, September 21, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• First-level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.