Administrative Associate II

Urban Innovation: Be Our Administrative Cornerstone in Public Works!

About the Opportunity

The City of Palo Alto's Public Works Department seeks two skilled professionals to join our team as Administrative Associates II. These roles offer a unique chance to contribute to the heart of our community services in Silicon Valley.

We have openings in two key areas:

Urban Forest Team: Support our efforts to maintain the city's trees, manage vegetation around utilities, and implement the Urban Forest Master Plan. Your work will directly impact our environmental health and the beauty of our cityscape.

Facilities Management Team: Assist in overseeing 130 city buildings totaling over 2 million square feet. From historic structures to modern complexes, you'll help maintain the spaces that serve our community.

In both roles, you'll be an essential link between our citizens and the services that make Palo Alto an exceptional place to live and work.

Important Note: This is not a remote or hybrid position. All working hours are on-site.

About Public Works Department:

We're committed to shaping the future of urban living through innovation, sustainability, and community pride. As the first agency in Silicon Valley accredited by the American Public Works Association (reaccredited in 2019 and 2024), we set high standards for public service. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in municipal operations.

About the City Palo Alto

Stands out as a global icon of innovation and quality of life. We're the birthplace of Silicon Valley, home to world-changing companies and startups. Our city offers a unique blend of small-town charm and world-class amenities, including over 30 parks, 36 miles of trails, a thriving arts scene, and top-rated schools. With our AAA bond rating and forward-thinking governance, Palo Alto provides both stability and excitement for its residents and workforce.

Who We're Looking For

We seek proactive problem-solvers with strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a dedication to public service. You should be tech-savvy and eager to learn new systems and processes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing friendly, efficient customer service

• Managing critical administrative tasks to keep projects running smoothly

• Collaborating with diverse professionals, from arborists to engineers

• Utilizing your skills in data management, scheduling, and document preparation

Your Future with the Public Works Department

Joining our team opens doors to a fulfilling career. You'll contribute to projects that shape Palo Alto's future, enjoy a supportive work environment that encourages growth, and make tangible contributions to sustainability and community well-being. This role offers opportunities for advancement and specialization in public service.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Click here to access the full job description and apply today!

This is a union position represented by the Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

• Answer and screen telephone calls and visitors using tact and judgment in making referral to appropriate source of information; give information and explain policies, procedures or regulations in response to inquiries, using knowledge of organization and its functions.

• Type from draft or oral instructions or compose correspondence, staff reports, and statistical or numerical reports using word processing applications, proof  work for grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Maintain office supply inventory, ordering supplies by originating Stores' requisition and through City Purchasing software program.

• Utilize department or city-wide software applications to process purchase orders and payments; verify receipt of materials and resolve discrepancies.

• In inclement weather and/or emergency situations, the employee may have to work night-time and weekends.

For the full job description click here.  Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to qualify is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and 3 years of progressively responsible administrative experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Specified assignments may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

The Selection Process:

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.

• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.

• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.  

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.  

This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU).

Compensation (SEIU) : Comprehensive compensation plan, to learn more click HERE. 

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.