Administrative Assistant I

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

What's The Role?

The City of El Cerrito Public Works Department is seeking a Part-Time Administrative Assistant I to support recycling operations and regulatory compliance within the Department’s Operations and Environmental Services Division. This position is primarily focused on providing excellent customer service at the Recycling & Environmental Resources Center (RERC), including managing customer interactions at the front counter, and overseeing the City's popular Exchange Zone. For more information regarding the site and it's resources, please visit the City's Website.

The ideal candidate is patient, communicative, and friendly, while also having the ability to be firm when necessary, for example enforcing rules and policies. This role regularly engages with the public, provides assistance with a variety of resources, and assists with recycling needs. A background and/or strong interest in recycling, resource conservation, or related field is a desirable quality. A successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to learn, understand, and promote the RERC's operations/functions, while also promoting the importance of recycling and conserving resources, and supporting the City's efforts to address climate change. Bilingual skills are not required but highly desirable.

The work schedule for this position is 19 hours per week (on average), working 3 days a week. This position requires working on Saturdays and is non-benefited.

Tentative Virtual Interview Date: Week of December 1, 2026

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Positions at the Administrative Assistant I-level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Provides administrative and project support for assigned management and departmental staff; acts as a liaison between management and other staff, outside agencies, and the public, coordinating resolutions when appropriate.
• Interprets and applies City policies, rules, and regulations in response to inquiries and concerns; responds to community member(s) on variety of routine and technical issues; assists public or City personnel in completing required documentation, forms, and applications in person and online.
• Performs various accounting/bookkeeping work, including verifying or computing financial data, preparing billing invoices, processing and reconciling vendor invoices, preparing bank deposits, and monitoring contract payments; assists with annual budget development.
• Participates in administering significant department administrative processes and program areas in such areas as scheduling and monitoring of inspections or work orders, issuance of permits and licenses, registering the public for programs, and administering specific operational programs.
• Organizes, coordinates, maintains, and updates departmental record systems; enters and updates information with departmental activity, files, and report summaries; retrieves information from systems as required.
• Gathers, assembles, updates, and distributes a variety of department-specific information, documents, forms, records, and data as requested; researches records within areas of responsibility to prepare and provide follow-up information to customer and staff inquiries.
• Communicates with officials and staff of other departments and agencies to obtain and relay information and to coordinate activities.
• Screens calls, visitors, and incoming mail and emails; assists and directs the public to appropriate locations and/or staff.
• Researches, purchases, and maintains inventory of office equipment and supplies; arranges for the repair and maintenance of office equipment.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Administrative Assistant I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Some college level coursework in public or business administration or a related field is desirable.

Experience:

Administrative Assistant I: None required. Two (2) years of increasingly responsible work in areas of clerical, record keeping, customer service, data entry, administrative support or related experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a current and valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record throughout employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties. *A current and valid out-of-state license may be used upon hire and a valid California Driver’s License must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.

For further information, you can review the Job Description here.

THE COMMUNITY

Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of over 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members.

THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Public Works Department is to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain public facilities and infrastructure and programs that support the quality of life for the citizens of El Cerrito in a way that ensures an economically and environmentally sustainable future. The Public Works Department consists of two Divisions: the Engineering Division and the Operations and Environmental Services Division (OESD). OESD operates from the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) and the Corporation Yard, and provides services for the maintenance of public facilities, infrastructure, and landscaping; waste management; and environmental sustainability programs and compliance.

Learn more about what it's like to work for the City of El Cerrito by watching the following videos, showcasing the El Cerrito community and organization:

Welcome to Vibrant & Diverse El Cerrito
Discover the Perks of Working for the City of El Cerrito
Quality of Life in El Cerrito

For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page:
Human Resources
Salary Schedules
Physical Demands