Administrative Assistant

Use your administrative expertise somewhere it makes a visible, lasting difference.

Are you the person who notices what needs attention, brings order to competing priorities, and keeps people and projects moving forward? Do you enjoy mastering the details but want more variety than a traditional administrative role offers? The Port of Anacortes is looking for an experienced Administrative Assistant who will help create a world-class first impression while supporting work across our organization. From customer service and office operations to contracts, grants, leases, public meetings, facilities, and events-you'll apply your administrative strengths in ways that matter every day.

Why this role matters

A world-class first impression is created through every interaction-not only at a front desk. It comes from prompt responses, accurate information, organized records, reliable follow-through, and employees who make it easy for others to do business with the Port. In this role, you'll help keep work moving across the organization. You'll connect people, information, documents, and deadlines while supporting projects involving contracts, grants, leases, public meetings, facilities, events, and daily office operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced administrative professional who enjoys variety, learns quickly, and takes pride in becoming a trusted resource. Much of your work will happen behind the scenes, but its impact will be visible throughout the Port.

What you'll actually do

No two days will look the same. You will:

• Welcome visitors, answer questions, and connect people with the right Port staff member.
• Keep daily office operations running smoothly, including phones, email, mail, supplies, payments, and bank deposits.
• Maintain organized, accurate records and support the Port's continued move toward efficient digital systems.
• Help administer contracts, consultant rosters, tenant leases, and grants.
• Track documents, payments, deadlines, insurance certificates, and required website information.
• Serve as backup support for Commission and other public meetings.
• Assist with utility invoice review, berth scheduling, customer billing, event rentals, and other cross-department needs.
• Coordinate meetings, deadlines, task lists, and follow-up across multiple teams.
• Find practical ways to improve service, simplify processes, and use technology.
• Become a trusted resource who understands how work moves through the Port and helps ensure important details don't get missed.

Things you'll learn on the job

You do not need to arrive knowing every Port-specific process.

Our people are our greatest asset, and how you contribute to our team matters. We are more than a workplace, we are a close-knit team. To that end, we are more interested in someone who approaches every problem with intellectual curiosity, takes pride in their work, and collaborates well, than someone who checks every possible box on day one.

This role offers a front-row view of a diverse public organization. You'll learn how the Port supports a 1,000-plus-slip marina, marine terminal, airport, and a diverse portfolio of commercial properties. Our work supports local jobs, commerce, recreation, and responsible stewardship of public resources and the environment.

If you enjoy understanding how an organization works--and becoming someone others can count on--there is plenty here to keep you engaged.

What we're looking for

The ideal candidate is an experienced administrative professional who brings intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and dependable follow‑through to their work. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy helping others, keeping information organized, and supporting a wide range of tasks across multiple teams.

You will be successful in this role if you are a person who:

• Takes genuine pride in helping others.
• Notices the details and follows through without needing constant direction.
• Can organize changing priorities and keep work moving across multiple departments.
• Communicates clearly and works well with coworkers, tenants, visitors, and outside partners.
• Looks for practical ways to make tasks easier, faster, or more consistent.
• Brings a positive, team‑focused approach, even during busy periods or tight deadlines.

You may be a great fit if you have experience with:

• Using Microsoft 365 effectively and quickly learning additional systems such as Laserfiche, DocuSign, and other Port platforms.
• Office administration, executive support, project coordination, or public-sector administration.
• Managing digital and physical records in compliance with retention rules.
• Supporting Commission, Board, Council, or other public meetings.
• Working with contracts, leases, grants, or procurement processes.
• Providing world-class customer service in a public-facing environment.

Minimum qualifications

We will consider any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

At minimum, candidates must have:

• High school diploma or GED and at least three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, initiative, and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and use discretion appropriately.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (such as records boxes, supplies, or deliveries).
• Ability to work at a desk (sitting or standing) for extended periods and move between office locations as needed.

Why you'll love working here

We truly believe loving where you work matters. Your work will have variety, purpose, and a visible connection to the Anacortes community.

We're a small organization, which means your ideas matter, your work is noticed, and you'll make a meaningful impact across a wide variety of projects. You'll work alongside fellow professionals who genuinely enjoy teamwork, solving problems together, and supporting one another's success. We work hard, laugh often, and believe people do their best work when they are trusted, supported, and able to maintain a healthy life outside of work.

What you'll find here:

• Meaningful work that supports the Anacortes waterfront and our local economy.
• A collaborative, fun team that values problem-solving and curiosity.
• Variety-no two days are exactly alike.
• Opportunities to learn new skills and grow in your role.
• Excellent public-sector benefits and long-term career stability.
• A beautiful waterfront community where you'll enjoy coming to work.

Compensation and benefits

The hourly pay range for this position is $35.51–$41.16, depending on qualifications and experience.

The Port also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with family coverage available for under $10/month.
• Significant Health Savings Account contribution, if enrolled in an eligible plan.
• Washington State PERS retirement.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, personal leave, and compensatory time off.
• $75/month exercise and wellness benefit.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on public service, accountability, and work-life balance.

How to apply

Visit portofanacortes.com/jobs to submit your application, resume, and cover letter through the Port of Anacortes application portal.

The Port of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Following an offer of employment, the candidate must be able to pass a background check, and motor vehicle records check. Any job offer will be contingent on the results of these screenings.