Office Administrator - Public Defender

Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking to fill an Office Administrator position. 

Would you enjoy the challenge of:

• Providing excellent administrative leadership to the Whatcom County’s Public Defender’s Office?
• Working successfully in a high-volume, fast-paced environment?
• Applying your first-rate attention to detail to consistently produce accurate work results?

If you answered yes to these questions, Whatcom County is interested in learning more about your qualifications and experience. The Office Administrator plans, organizes, and supervises the administrative and business operations of the Defender's office to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery. The Administrator also coordinates administrative services, front line reception and phone services, financial operations, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, contracts, grants, records management, communications, business systems, and related operational functions while supervising assigned staff and providing strategic administrative support to department leadership. The position serves as a member of the Public Defender's management team by implementing operational objectives, coordinating resources, resolving complex administrative issues, and recommending process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and stewardship of public resources.  

Supervisor: Public Defender

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM 

For more information:  

• Job Description

• Public Defender Info

Full Salary Ranges 

• Office Administrator: $6,795 - $9,866 (2026)
• Unrepresented Range 8

 
Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Office Administration, Communications, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative, business operations, or office management experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or advanced lead responsibility.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered. Experience may substitute for education, and education may substitute for experience when appropriate.  Substitution does not apply where a specific degree, license, or certification is required by law, regulation, or professional standards.  

Other job Requirements:

• Authorize and successfully complete a background check prior to employment.
• Complete review of all Cash Handling policies within one (1) week of employment.
• Must pass job-related tests.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in local government or public sector administration.
• Experience with budget coordination, grants, contracts, procurement, or financial administration.
• Experience supporting executive leadership or elected officials.
• Experience implementing administrative or business process improvements.

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family 
• Generous paid leave provisions, including vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays per year
• Eligibility for a lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Option to invest in a 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for annual health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information