Secretary 2

Introduction

Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forestry Division is seeking to hire a Secretary 2 that will serve as the front-line ambassador for the public directing complex inquiries to appropriate Forestry Division Staff, assisting with general and technical inquiries with information posted on Division Web Sites, and providing general administrative support to all Division programs with statewide responsibilities.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• This position is full-time, following a first shift schedule, 40 hours per week, scheduled Monday - Friday, and primary duty station is located at 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT.
• As a Secretary 2 you will perform advanced, fully independent secretarial support with a full range of secretarial tasks independently and full understanding of office operations.
• In this role you will be responsible for total office operation; communicates and interprets policies; not intended as assistant to another secretary, work under general supervision but with greater autonomy and judgment, and lead seasonal clerical or secretarial staff.
• You will also compose complex letters, including those explaining policies or procedures, compile information from varied sources, prepare narrative and statistical reports requiring judgment, and screen calls, provide guidance citing regulations, and handle non-routine inquiries.
• The Secretary 2 will screen materials, determine required action, and recommend actions to supervisors as well as all Secretary 1 duties plus assisting with budget prep, monitoring, and designing new forms/procedures.

ABOUT US


The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs - and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Forestry Division encourages the long-term practice of responsible and sustainable forest management. We accomplish this by; 1) Protecting Connecticut's forest resources from the effects of fire, insects, disease, and misuse. 2) Providing accurate and timely information about Connecticut's forest resources. 3) Certifying forest practitioners, 4) Managing the State Forests, in which exist many large blocks of unfragmented forest land, 5) Engaging municipalities and citizens in the work of urban forestry and 6) Providing guidance, education, and technical assistance to private forestland owners.

For an inside look at what it's like to work as an employee for the State of Connecticut, please watch the video below!

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:


Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.


BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Salary Calculations : For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note : The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates-such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links-please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
• For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select "Update My Contact Information."
• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note : This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at
• This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.

QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:


Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alejandro G. Dávila-Hurtado at View email address on click.appcast.io.


Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)


In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of secretarial support functions requiring an understanding of organizational policies and procedures.


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

In this role, you will;

• Maintain and manage the Forestry Division main phone line and general email inbox.;
• Maintain inventory and ordering supplies and equipment as needed;
• Coordinate annual Division physical asset inventory and implement Division record retention schedule;
• Craft documents, including performing basic page setup, editing, and text formatting functions;
• Process requisitions, orders for supplies, dues, and other items;
• Prepare outreach educational materials needed by instructors;
• Assist various forestry division permit processing or license renewals;
• Proofread and/or edit complex and technical records, letters, memos, reports, contracts, and/or documents;
• Take and/or transcribe notes, dictation, transcripts, and/or tapes into written minutes and/or reports;
• Establish computerized and/or manual filing systems;
• Type agendas, maintain calendars and schedules, and arrange business appointments, travel, itineraries, events, and meetings;
• Collect and distribute mail; and
• Perform related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Considerable knowledge of
  • office systems and procedures;
  • proper grammar, punctuation and spelling;
• Knowledge of
  • business communications;
  • department's/unit's policies and procedures;
  • business math;
• Skills;
  • interpersonal skills;
  • oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to
  • schedule and prioritize office workflow;
  • operate office equipment which includes computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment;
  • operate office suite software;
  • take notes (shorthand, speedwriting or other method acceptable to the supervisor).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE


Three (3) years of experience above the routine clerk level in office support or secretarial work.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE


One (1) year of the General Experience must have been as a Secretary 1 or its equivalent.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED


College training in the secretarial sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of two (2) years.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Microsoft Office 360 including, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word;
• Experience communicating in person, on the phone, and in writing with constituents, including coworkers and the public;
• Experience working with confidential information, including social security numbers, income information, and demographic information;
• Experience working with the public and providing customer service to both internal and external constituents.
• Experience multitasking in an office environment; and
• Experience and engagement with trees, forests, wildlife, and outdoor environments.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.