Office Specialist (Open and Promotional)

Office Specialist (Open and Promotional) County of San Mateo, CA Salary: $65,748.80 - $82,160.00 annually USD NOTE: This recruitment was amended on May 29, 2026 to put the recruitment on hold. Applications are not being accepted at this time. Description This job classification is the senior, most experienced level in the general office support classification series. It is not an entry level position. Office Specialists provide complex, technical or specialized clerical services in departments countywide and are considered experts in all aspects of the general office support functions. Office Specialists perform a variety of demanding clerical tasks: they answer questions of all degrees of complexity from lower level support staff, visitors, and telephone callers; direct them to appropriate individuals; create correspondence, reports, and documents using a computer; proofread typed material for accuracy, completeness and correct English usage; enter, edit and retrieve data in automated information systems; prepare reports and records that require arithmetic calculations; research and collect data from multiple sources; gather materials for meetings, prepare agendas and type meeting minutes; make travel arrangements; order office supplies; organize and maintain office files; perform related office tasks as required; and serve as a back‑up for clerical co‑workers who are absent. Ideal candidates can perform several tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced, demanding environment; produce large volumes of correspondence; be detailed, accurate, complete and timely; adapt to frequent interruptions; use computers regularly and proficiently; exercise initiative, sound judgment and tact with sensitive or confidential matters; interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds; handle tension‑filled and crisis situations; and work well under stress. Key Duties Perform difficult, complex technical and/or specialized office support work requiring independent judgment. Research and assemble information from various sources for forms or reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations. Provide information to the public or County staff that requires judgment and interpretation of policies, rules or procedures. Organize, maintain and purge departmental files. Type correspondence, reports, forms and specialized documents from drafts or brief instructions using a typewriter, word processor or computer terminal. Proofread and verify accuracy, completeness and compliance with departmental policies and regulations. Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports on‑line or on a personal computer; review reports for accuracy and correct as needed; operate standard office equipment. Oversee office administrative details such as purchase requisitions, equipment repair arrangements, information transmission and reference material updates; arrange meetings, notify participants, reserve rooms, and handle lodging and meal arrangements. Act as receptionist by receiving and screening visitors and telephone calls and directing callers to the proper person or personally handling the call. Train others or direct work on a project or relief basis. Provide off‑hours support as required. Perform related duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge of: Office administrative practices and procedures, including filing and operation of standard office equipment. Basic business data processing principles and use of word processing or personal computing equipment. Policies and procedures related to the assigned department. Proper form for typed materials. Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. Record keeping principles and procedures. Skill/Ability to: Perform technical, specialized, complex or difficult office support work. Organize, prioritize and coordinate work activities. Read, interpret and apply rules, policies and procedures. Organize, research and maintain office files. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Compose routine correspondence from brief instructions. Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy. Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Operate standard office equipment, including a word processor, personal or on‑line computer, and centralized telephone equipment. Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is one year of journey‑level office support experience. Equal Opportunity Employer San Mateo County is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers In Government