Office Assistant I/II

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Office Assistant I – $22.87 to $29.18 / Office Assistant II – $25.21 to $32.18. Expected hiring range is as follows: Office Assistant I – $22.87 to $25.21 / Office Assistant II – $25.21 to $27.80. The Office Assistant I, II performs a wide variety of general clerical duties related to filing, reception, form processing, record maintenance, mail, typing and data entry; obtains and compares information for an assigned department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Office Assistant I This is the entry-level classification in the Office Assistant series. Positions in this classification typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Office Assistant I classification is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to the established process and procedures. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of the assigned area of responsibility are learned. Office Assistant II This is the journey-level classification in the Office Assistant series and is distinguished from the I level by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance when unusual or unique situations arise.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform general clerical duties related to the department. Type, proofread and process a variety of documents including general correspondence, memos, and statistical charts from rough draft, recordings, oral, or electronic instruction. Answer the telephone and respond to questions from the general public, giving information on the policies and procedures of the department and the assigned program. Proactively assist residents by answering questions and connecting them with the appropriate City department or staff member. Assist with arrangements for special events and set-up for meetings. Perform a wide variety of routine clerical work, including filing, copying, scanning, billing, data entry, and checking and recording information on records. Sort and file documents and records, maintaining alphabetical, index, and cross-reference files. Perform a variety of Administrative and program management tasks in accordance with department programs and services; Track and organize transactions. Open, sort, and distribute mail; operate a postage meter, log postage costs, and ensure the mail is picked up; and arrange for priority mail service. Order office supplies; and submit expense claims. Perform related duties, including special research projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Office Assistant I: English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Standard office methods, equipment, and software applications, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite. Principles of basic arithmetic. Office Assistant II: In addition to the requirements for Office Assistant I: Organization, procedures and operating details of the City department to which assigned. Ability To: Office Assistant I: Perform routine clerical work including filing, proofreading, and data entry. Verify and check files and data. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Perform simple mathematical calculations. Enter data and type at an acceptable rate. Operate a variety of office equipment such as calculators, facsimile machines, and copiers. Use computer software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of excellent customer service. In Addition To The Requirements For Office Assistant I: Perform the full range of duties of an Office Assistant, with only occasional instruction. Operate a personal computer with proficiency and familiarity in order to produce technical reports, charts, spreadsheets, and other documents; and maintain databases and records.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Education: Office Assistant I: High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent Experience: No experience is required. Experience: One year of experience performing duties similar to that of an Office Assistant I with the City of Palmdale. Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license, or the ability to use alternative transportation methods to perform the essential duties of the position. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands: Mobility : frequent use of a keyboard; frequent standing, walking, and sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending and squatting. Lifting : frequently up to 20 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds. Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological : frequent routine decision-making and concentrating; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental : frequent exposure to noise.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment, subject to typical office noise. Revised October, 2025 FLSA:Overtime eligible The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home." Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday. UNION: The Teamsters Local 911 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance division.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

RESIDENCE within the City is not required. AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources. The benefits listed here apply to full-time and benefited part-time positions, not to unbenefited part-time employees unless described. A PROBATION PERIOD of six months minimum applies to initial employment with the City. VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours (160 hours for benefited part-time employees). Administrative employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours. SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours (400 hours for benefited part-time employees). Unbenefited part-time employees receive 28 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year. RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time and benefited part-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution. All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS). WELLNESS PROGRAM: The program includes gym membership discounts, healthy eating programs, exercise classes & other programs. DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees. CREDIT UNION: F&A Federal Credit Union & Logix Federal Credit Union (formerly Lockheed) are available options. INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee’s health insurance. DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City participates in the ICMA-RC Deferred Compensation Plan, which enables benefited part-time and full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis. OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week. PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Unbenefited part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed. Benefited part-time employees are eligible for CalPERS retirement, sick leave, holidays, and vacation on a prorated basis. MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at 54 cents per mile when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business. SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee’s salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution. Benefits can change at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Palmdale