Region Directors Assistant (Administrative Assistant 5)

About the position The Department of Ecology's Southwest Region Office (SWRO) in Lacey, WA is seeking a Region Director's Assistant (Administrative Assistant 5) to support the Region Director (RD) in coordinating communications and managing the schedule. This role operates at an executive and confidential level, working closely with the RD on sensitive and controversial issues to ensure high-quality customer service and effective project coordination. As the regional administrative services lead, the RDA will embody the One-Ecology philosophy, acting as a resource and problem-solver across eleven environmental programs in the Southwest Region. This includes overseeing operational and process improvement projects aimed at enhancing services and resources for the regional team and customers. The RDA will supervise two employees and will be responsible for scheduling and coordinating the Region Director's calendar, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and correspondence, reviewing and editing reports, and preparing agendas and notes for various meetings. The position also involves organizing all-staff events that promote learning and connection, and partnering with the Region Director and Region Business Administrator to develop program process improvements. The RDA will lead complex projects requiring coordination among multiple programs and agency staff, managing conflicting priorities and adapting to changing needs. The SWRO provides essential environmental and natural resource services to twelve counties in the Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Washington, with a commitment to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the environment for current and future generations. The office is a collaborative and supportive environment, with a focus on employee wellness and professional growth. The position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for up to 40% telework, which helps reduce commuting time and environmental impact.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the communications and schedule of the Southwest Region Director.

,

• Supervise two employees, including the Fleet Coordinator and Receptionist.

,

• Schedule and manage the Region Director's calendar, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and correspondence.

,

• Review and edit reports and other written correspondence for accuracy and clarity.

,

• Set agendas and prepare notes for weekly Region Management Team meetings and regional all-staff meetings.

,

• Organize all-staff events that promote learning and meaningful connections within the region.

,

• Partner with the Region Director and Region Business Administrator to develop program process improvements.

,

• Lead complex projects requiring coordination among multiple programs and agency staff.

Requirements

• A total of six years of experience and/or education in clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, or general administrative office work or supervisory experience.

,

• Education involving a major study in business administration, public administration, or a closely allied field.

,

• Experience as an Administrative Assistant 4 or 3 at the Department of Ecology may substitute for some of the required experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrated leadership skills.

,

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including editing and proofreading skills.

,

• Excellent customer service skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.

,

• Creative problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Dental insurance

,

• Dependent care reimbursement

,

• Disability insurance

,

• Employee assistance program

,

• Flexible schedule

,

• Flexible spending account

,

• Health insurance

,

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s)

,

• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

,

• Vacation, Sick, and other Leave

,

• 11 Paid Holidays per year

,

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

,

• Tuition Waiver

,

• Long Term Disability & Life Insurance

,

• Deferred Compensation Programs

,

• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

,

• Commute Trip Reduction Incentives

,

• Combined Fund Drive

,

• SmartHealth

Apply tot his job