Police Administrative Assistant

Please submit a complete application and supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered even if resume and cover letter are attached. 

*Please pay close attention to the important testing information*

A position in this classification will be represented by the Police Support Services Association.

TESTING:
Candidates that meet the education and experience criteria and have the highest application screening score will be invited to the in person only written exam scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026. The test will take approximately 2 hours, and you will be notified by e-mail through your Governmentjobs.com account. You must obtain a minimum score of 70% on the written examination in order to be placed on the eligibility register.

ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW:
Your written examination score, along with the Veterans’ Scoring Criteria if applicable, will determine your final score and rank on the Civil Service Eligibility Register. In order to remain on the Eligibility Register, candidates must pass the in-person oral board interview to be determined at a later date. Candidates must pass the interview with a 70%, to be considered for the background process.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Federal Way Police Department is for every member to consistently earn the public’s trust while enhancing the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses within our City.  We accomplish our mission by providing the highest quality law enforcement, community education, and support services possible while making the best use of the resources entrusted to us.   We are recognized as professional, innovative, diverse, ethical, and as a valued partner in building economic viability in our area. 

Basic Function:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of administrative, secretarial, clerical and public relations duties to perform office support activities; type and process records, reports, memos and correspondence; process purchase requisitions, orders, budget documents and other financial data and activities. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Administrative Assistant I incumbents provide administrative and secretarial support to a section or office.  Administrative Assistant II incumbents provide administrative office support to a Director-level supervisor.  Incumbents perform a broad range of complex duties in support of smooth, efficient and timely office and department operations.

Perform a variety of administrative, secretarial, clerical and public relations duties related to the function to which assigned; provide secretarial support or coordinate office clerical activities. 

Track office projects and maintain related files and records; develop and maintain extensive filing systems; receive, receipt and track fees and payments. 

Process purchase requisitions and orders as needed; determine and order office supplies and equipment according to established guidelines; assist in the development and assembly of division or department budgets; maintain budget and other financial records and files. 

Answer telephone calls; schedule appointments and meetings; explain programs, policies and procedures within the scope of authority; provide information of general or limited technical nature; take messages and refer callers to appropriate person or department as necessary. 

Maintain a variety of records and files according to established procedures; create and maintain project files; monitor project progress to assure required steps and documentation are completed; process a variety of forms and reports; maintain payroll records as assigned. 

Train and provide work direction to others as assigned; assist and back up other secretarial staff as needed. 

Representative Duties:

Perform a variety of research and assist supervisor with special projects as assigned; coordinate communications with other departments, agencies and cities as assigned. 

Transcribe, type and distribute letters, contracts, reports and memoranda including materials of a confidential nature; compose letters requesting or providing information concerning routine matters independently or from oral written instructions; take notes quickly and accurately.

Prepare and distribute various committee and task force agenda packets, correspondence and related documents; attend meetings, take notes and prepare minutes. 

Prepare agendas and attend various boards and meetings to take minutes and distribute as designated; attend meetings and deliver documents at various City locations. 

Check reports, records and other data for accuracy, completeness and compliance with established standards; compile information and prepare routine reports. 

Operate office equipment and machines such as personal computers, typewriters, dictating machines, calculator, copy machines and adding machines. 

Use, demonstrate and train others in proper use of word processing; spreadsheet and other software applications; answer more advanced questions and issues related to correct secretarial and word processing requirements. 

Receive, sort, open and distribute mail; order and maintain office supplies. 

Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to:  graduation from high school including or supplemented by secretarial training and three years of increasingly responsible administrative assistant, secretarial or clerical experience.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Operation of a computer terminal.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• Telephone techniques and etiquette.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Perform administrative assistant and secretarial duties with speed and accuracy.
• Learn to interpret, apply and explain City codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and work within scope of authority.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Type at 50 words net per minute from clear copy.
• Transcribe material from transcription machine tapes or notes with speed and accuracy.
• Train and provide work direction to others as assigned.
• Operate word processing hardware and software used by the City.
• Operate modern office equipment such as a typewriter, personal computer, copy machine and adding machine.
• Maintain records, files and filing systems.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, typically sitting at a desk for long periods of time.  Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation.  Some lifting of light objects (less than 25 lbs) may be required.