Job Abstract

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a dynamic Part Time Management Assistant, either a Management Assistant I or II level depending on the qualifications of the applicant. As assigned, the Management Assistant will conduct public outreach activities at community events, educate the public on the Utilities’ energy and water efficiency programs, serve as a liaison between the public and the Utilities Department, transport and set-up event supplies, such as canopies, tables, chairs, and booth materials at events throughout the City, facilitate community outreach activities during nights and weekends, research energy efficiency and electrification programs, and perform a variety of routine analytical, technical, programmatic, and administrative duties in support of various administrative and programmatic operations and activities; provide responsible staff support to a City department, office, and/or program area; and to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public.

This is the entry-level class in the professional analyst series. Incumbents at this level perform more routine tasks and duties while learning City policies, procedures, and specific techniques related to area of assignment and management analysis. As experience is gained, assignments gradually become more diversified and incumbents work with greater independence. Job assignments are in specific departments and/or programs, where incumbents are expected to assist the department head, senior management staff, and/or higher-level analysts with program, operational, and administrative functions. This class is distinguished from the Staff Analyst by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. When this class is used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full arrange of assigned duties, and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Perform a variety of technical, programmatic, administrative, and routine staff and analytical duties requiring the application of specific program knowledge and administrative skills in support of a City department, division, program, or function; assume responsibility for specific program area duties; provide assistance in administrative and operating programs as assigned.

Conduct research; prepare, revise, and implement various administrative policies, procedures, rules, and regulations in accordance with sound organizational practices; develop and revise office forms and report formats; establish procedural manual for assigned areas.

Conduct management studies relating to the activities and operation of the assigned department, office, or program area; conduct the more routine surveys, research, and statistical analysis on administrative, fiscal, and operational issues; collect, compile, and analyze information from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to programs administered by the position or by management staff; write reports that present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make and justify recommendations.

Provide staff assistance to management staff; participate on and provide staff support to a variety of committees and boards; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary; relieve management staff of administrative work including investigating and answering complaints and providing assistance in resolving operational and administrative problems.

Participate in planning, coordinating, implementing, promoting, and overseeing assigned programs, projects, and initiatives; participate in the development and implementation of program goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities; participate in the development and implementation of strategies for the achievement of these goals.

Participate in the identification, planning, development, and implementation of new and/or modified programs that would promote and enhance the mission, goals, and objectives of the City; perform the necessary research and analysis to justify the appropriateness of implementing the proposed program/project; prepare presentation materials and background documentation; participate in monitoring project success using appropriate tracking and feedback systems.

Provide assistance in resolving operational and administration problems; identify problem areas and issues; conduct research to find alternative solutions; make recommendations; assist in implementation of recommendations.

Assist in researching, negotiating, and monitoring assigned contracts and agreements with outside suppliers, service providers, leasing agents, and others; prepare specifications and bid packages; review bids and recommend vendor selection for equipment and services; participate in the preparation of contracts; ensure work is performed in compliance with contracts and agreements.

Coordinate assigned services and program/project activities with those of other City programs, functions, departments and staff, boards, committees, and task forces as well as external agencies, groups, and the general public to ensure effective cooperation consistent with optimal efficiency, effectiveness, and economy; coordinate data, resources, and work products as necessary and upon request in support of a productive and positive working environment; participate in representing the assigned area to public and private groups, organizations, and other City groups.

Assist with the budget development process and budget monitoring activities; provide assistance in the development of assigned budget; collect and analyze financial data; review and analyze budget requests and budget changes; make recommendations and obtain final approval for changes; create data tracking and reporting systems; monitor monthly status.

Maintain and monitor assigned accounts; determine appropriate expense allocations; resolve billing payment and reporting discrepancies.

May serve as a primary or secondary contact and liaison for assigned functions and programs with other City departments and staff, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; assist with and provide support in the negotiation and resolution of sensitive and controversial issues; explain programs, policies, and activities.

May assist in establishing and administering departmental records management processes; establishing effective filing systems.

May plan, direct, coordinate, and review assigned activities and operations of the department including assigned administrative support, technical, and/or programmatic service areas; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; recommend improvements in work flow, procedures, and use of equipment and forms; implement improvements as approved.

May participate in the selection, training, and evaluation of assigned administrative support personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; recommend discipline and termination procedures.

Perform related duties as required.

Experience and Education: One (1) year (PT Management Assistant I), Three (3) years (PT Management Assistant II) of routine research, administrative support, or analytical experience, preferably in public administration, is desirable supplemented by a completion of the twelfth grade and college level coursework or specialized training in public administration, business administration, or a related field, a Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned program; basic principles and practices of public administration; basic principles and practices of program development and administration; work organization and office management principles and practices; standard organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs related to area of assignment; basic techniques and formulae for administrative, financial, and comparative analyses; methods and techniques of effective technical, administrative, and financial record keeping, report preparation, and presentation; recent developments, research methods, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs and service areas; terminology used in area of assignment; basic principles and practices of budget preparation and administration and grant application and administration principles and practices; principles of business letter writing; federal, state, and local government organizations; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and various software packages; methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; principles of supervision and training may be required for some positions.

Ability to: Perform responsible analytical, programmatic, and administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative; participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; learn methods and techniques of research and operational and administrative analysis; learn to prepare a variety of analytical and financial reports; learn to develop policies, procedures, goals, and objectives; learn to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; plan, coordinate, and conduct operational analyses, administrative studies, and special projects; research, compile, analyze, and interpret data; prepare clear, accurate and concise tables, schedules, summaries and other materials in statistical and narrative form; establish and maintain various data collection, record keeping, tracking, filing, and reporting systems; manage multiple projects simultaneously; plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines; participate in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating assigned programs, projects, events, or technical area; properly interpret and make recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as pertinent laws, regulations, and ordinances; oversee, direct, coordinate, and participate in the management of a assigned program area; select, train, and evaluate assigned staff may be required for some positions; supervise, organize and review the work of lower level staff may be required for some positions; plan, schedule, and review the work and performance of subordinates may be required for some positions; operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages; identify and respond to community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs; to requests and inquiries from the general public; work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person; exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.