Program Assistant - Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling

Job Summary The Program Assistant for the Solid Waste & Recycling Division provides high-level administrative, operational, financial, and program coordination support to division leadership, program managers, and regional initiatives within Clark County Public Works. This position supports the effective operation of county solid waste and recycling programs by coordinating workflows, maintaining tracking systems, supporting financial and contract-related processes, organizing meetings and communications, and ensuring program activities are accurately tracked and documented. The role serves as a key coordination point between managers, project staff, finance staff, consultants, contractors, partner agencies, and the public. This is a highly independent position requiring strong initiative, sound judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to proactively identify issues, anticipate operational needs, and develop effective solutions within established procedures and policies. The incumbent is expected to independently manage competing priorities, exercise discretion, and maintain forward progress on assignments with minimal supervision in a fast-paced and evolving work environment. The work requires exceptional organizational skills, professionalism, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness. While the position supports environmental and public works programs, prior solid waste experience is not required. The position also requires strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff, partner agencies, contractors, and members of the public. The incumbent must maintain professionalism, responsiveness, and a solution-oriented approach while supporting a high-volume and team-oriented work environment. The position operates within a public sector environment requiring attention to transparency, documentation standards, records management practices, and compliance with public records retention and disclosure requirements. The incumbent is expected to maintain accurate records and handle information in accordance with County policies and applicable public sector regulations. The position also requires professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when coordinating communications, handling sensitive information, and navigating organizational protocols, reporting structures, and public sector administrative processes.

Qualifications Education and Experience:

Associate's degree or equivalent coursework in business administration, public administration, communications, or a related field and three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, operational coordination, or program support experience are required. A Bachelor's degree is desirable and may substitute for some experience. Experience supporting leadership teams, coordinating complex schedules and workflows, managing sensitive information, and working in a fast-paced professional environment is highly desirable. Public sector administrative experience is highly desirable, particularly experience supporting government operations, public meetings, records management, or regulatory programs. Familiarity with public records requirements, records retention practices, and public agency administrative processes is preferred. Experience in solid waste, recycling, environmental programs, or public works is desirable but not required.

Knowledge of:

Administrative and operational coordination practices Financial tracking and invoice processing procedures Business communication and professional office practices Meeting coordination, scheduling, and records management Spreadsheet, database, document management, and workflow tracking systems Public sector administrative practices and professional standards Public sector organizational structures, communication protocols, and professional administrative practices Records management, documentation practices, and records retention principles within a public agency environment Ability to: Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and deadlines Exercise initiative, sound judgment, critical thinking, and discretion in daily work activities Anticipate operational needs, identify problems proactively, and develop effective solutions Coordinate complex scheduling and logistics involving multiple stakeholders Organize, track, and maintain detailed records and workflows with a high degree of accuracy Communicate effectively orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, consultants, partner agencies, and the public Anticipate needs and proactively resolve administrative and operational issues Operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Exercise professionalism, diplomacy, and good judgment in communications and coordination activities Understand and appropriately navigate organizational hierarchy, reporting relationships, and communication expectations within a public sector environment Work collaboratively and professionally with individuals at all organizational levels Provide responsive, courteous, and solution-oriented customer service to internal and external stakeholders Maintain composure, professionalism, and effectiveness in high-volume or occasionally stressful situations Adapt to shifting priorities, interruptions, and evolving operational needs while maintaining organization and accountability

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application. Application Review (Pass/ Fail)

• An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Practical Exam (Pass/Fail)
• This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Oral Interview
• The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Top candidate(s) will continue in the process. Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education. It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression. First review of candidates will be June 15th. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date with no additional notice. Examples of Duties Key or typical tasks and responsibilities: Administrative & Operational Coordination Provides high-level administrative and operational support to division leadership, program managers, and cross-functional teams. Independently manages assigned workflows, priorities, schedules, deadlines, and follow-up actions with minimal supervision. Coordinates communication and information flow between managers, project staff, finance staff, vendors, consultants, partner agencies, and internal departments. Anticipates administrative and operational support needs and proactively identifies solutions to improve efficiency, coordination, and workflow continuity. Exercises initiative and critical thinking to resolve routine operational and administrative issues independently and escalate more complex matters appropriately. Monitors ongoing assignments, identifies potential gaps or delays, and takes proactive steps to maintain progress and accountability. Builds and maintains positive and collaborative working relationships across teams, departments, and external partner organizations. Provides responsive and professional support to internal staff and external stakeholders while balancing competing operational priorities. Financial & Contract Support Processes, routes, tracks, and monitors invoices, payment requests, purchasing items, and related financial documentation. Assists with financial tracking, invoice coding, budget monitoring support, reimbursement tracking, and approval workflows. Supports contract and grant administration activities, including tracking deliverables, timelines, amendments, documentation, and reporting requirements. Coordinates with County finance staff, vendors, consultants, and project managers to ensure timely and accurate processing of financial and contractual information. Identifies discrepancies, missing information, workflow issues, or process gaps and works proactively with appropriate parties to resolve them. Program Tracking & Reporting Maintains spreadsheets, dashboards, logs, Smartsheets, and tracking systems related to program activities, contracts, schedules, deadlines, and operational workflows. Researches, compiles, organizes, and prepares data and reports for managers and program staff. Maintains records, files, and documentation in accordance with County policies, records retention requirements, and public disclosure practices. Ensures accurate records and documentation are maintained in accordance with County policies and procedures. Independently monitors tracking systems and follows up on outstanding items, deadlines, approvals, and deliverables. Meeting & Governance Coordination Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC)

• Quarterly Meetings Coordinates administrative and logistical support for SWAC quarterly board meetings with minimal supervision.

Supports scheduling, agenda preparation and distribution, meeting setup, preparation of meeting materials, attendance tracking, documentation of meeting outcomes, and follow-up coordination. Anticipates meeting preparation needs, identifies scheduling or logistical conflicts, and proactively coordinates solutions. Regional Solid Waste Systems Steering Committee (RSWSSC)

• Quarterly Meetings Provides administrative and clerical support for RSWSSC quarterly meetings.

Assists with scheduling, preparation and distribution of agendas and materials, meeting logistics, note organization, attendance tracking, and follow-up communications. Independently tracks meeting action items and supports timely follow-up coordination. Additional Meeting Support Coordinates internal and external meetings involving multiple stakeholders, departments, agencies, and consultants. Supports preparation of agendas, presentations, reports, correspondence, and meeting materials. Communication, Collaboration & Customer Service Responds to internal and external inquiries with professionalism, tact, sound judgment, and responsiveness. Serves as a point of contact for administrative and program-related questions from staff, vendors, partner agencies, and the public. Maintains professional working relationships with leadership, regional partners, consultants, contractors, and County staff. Exercises sound judgment regarding communication protocols, organizational reporting relationships, escalation pathways, and the appropriate coordination of information across departments and stakeholders. Maintains awareness of County organizational structure and follows established communication practices when coordinating with leadership, staff, external partners, and the public. Demonstrates discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive, confidential, or politically sensitive information. Provides high-quality customer service through professional, timely, and solution-oriented communication and follow-through. Works collaboratively with division staff and partner departments to support effective operations and maintain positive working relationships. Demonstrates adaptability, professionalism, and emotional maturity when working through competing priorities, changing needs, or sensitive situations. Process Improvement & Workflow Support Supports the development and maintenance of consistent administrative procedures, tracking systems, templates, and documentation practices. Identifies workflow inefficiencies and independently recommends or assists with implementing process improvements to support accountability, organization, and operational effectiveness. Helps managers monitor assignments, deadlines, and workflow status across multiple projects and program areas. Develops and maintains organized systems to support continuity, consistency, and operational efficiency within the division. Additional Responsibilities Exercises substantial discretion and independent judgment within established procedures and policies. Handles sensitive or confidential information appropriately. Performs related duties as assigned. Salary Grade Local 307.7 Salary Range $28.12

• $37.96
• per hour

Close Date Open Until Filled Recruiter Rori Jones Email:

Rori.

Jones@clark.wa.gov Equal Opportunity Employer Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents. Employee Benefits and additional compensation Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents. Retirement Information All Clark County employees must participate in a

WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN

(PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/ If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388. For more information about Clark County or our Screening Process, click on

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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy. Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live. Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home. Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people. You can get more information about job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources. Screening Process Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their applications and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Some recruitments may require the following: Assessment, Cover Letter, Practical Exam, Evidence of a valid driver's license, Criminal Background Check or other requirements. Oral Interviews are conducted with a panel of interviewers. If you are selected for an interview you will be contacted by the hiring department. Employment References may be conducted for the final candidates, including verification of education.