Senior Office Assistant - Temporary Position

Richfield Public Works is hiring a temporary Senior Office Assistant to cover the front desk and assist with customer service and general clerical duties. 

The employment term for this position is not to exceed six months and is anticipated to run from October 2026 to April 2027.

Under the general direction of the Public Works Management Team with direct supervision from the Deputy Public Works Director, provides customer service to external clients (residents/businesses), resolves complaints, and performs general clerical and administrative work of varying complexity.

HOURS

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

LOCATION

This position is required to be in office/on site at the Public Works Maintenance Facility for the duration of the employment term.

This position is not benefit eligible. However, this position is eligible to earn 1 hour of ESST time for every 30 hours work and is subject to MN PFML laws.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Answers inbound phone calls for the Department, transferring calls to appropriate personnel or giving out routine information about Public Works services and operations, as necessary.
• Responds to problems or requests for services by generating work orders or service requests submitted via phone, email, or in-person customers.
• Performs data entry, generates reports, and maintains Department records that include filing and scanning of documents to comply with record retention guidelines.
• Creates Department media, both in print and digital, by request of Management Team.
• Assists in the processing of the Department’s bi-weekly payroll, alongside Management Team. Serves as the Department’s liaison between the Public Works Department and Finance Department on payroll matters.
• Operates a variety of office machines and computer software programs including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ArcGIS.  
• Assists in the Department’s social media participation, including the promotion of the Sweet Streets® branding, as needed.
• Delivers and receives mail and other documents to and from the Municipal Center daily.
• Orders supplies, equipment, and materials for the Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates considerable knowledge of office practices and procedures and general clerical work.
• Demonstrates strong computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office programs.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively under pressure while accurately and competently handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrates ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates initiative and follow-through with minimal direction, while following policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to do administrative/clerical work of varying difficulty.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively and courteously, both orally and in writing, with the public, contractors and City staff.
• Demonstrates ability to deescalate tense conversations and show empathy to individuals with unique situations.
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of automated office environment equipment and applicable computer hardware, software, and web-based programs.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrates ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A High School diploma or equivalent required.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working for a local government entity or other government agency.
• Post-secondary education in public administration, public relations, communications, political science, human resources, or related field. 
• Two years or more of administrative support experience in a customer service focused role with high call volumes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish or other language.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

• Must possess a valid Class D driver’s license.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands that are described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  

 

Must have the ability to: 

• Sit, talk, listen, and hear for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to manipulate a keyboard for an extended period of time.
• .Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/MFD

 

The City of Richfield does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or membership on a local human rights commission.