CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON
POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
NATURE OF WORK:
This is advanced clerical work where the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and
ensuring the efficient professional provision of administrative support for a major city
department, division or function. Duties included in the department assistant position cover a
wide variety of responsible, complex and confidential tasks requiring the incumbent to work
independently and make decisions within the framework of existing policies and procedures.
Work may include extensive public contact. Department Assistants share accountability for the
provision of consistent, high quality service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS COMMON TO THE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT
POSITION:
Takes dictation, transcribes, checks and proofreads complex letters/memoranda from rough
copy or cassette transcriber; composes and types a variety of reports, correspondence,
contracts, legal descriptions and other documents as required. Assembles City Council agenda
bills according to established procedures. Develops brochures and related materials as
required.
Receives incoming mail, sorts, date-stamps, annotates and distributes to appropriate personnel.
Initiates response process for correspondence as appropriate and ensures responses are timely.
Schedules and maintains appointment calendar for director. Makes travel and accommodation
arrangements for workshops and conferences.
Makes arrangements for public meetings including preparing and ensuring publication of legal
notices, making location reservations and meal arrangements; ensuring visual equipment and
public announcement systems are provided if appropriate and all necessary participants are
invited. Attends meetings as required, taking notes and preparing minutes in publishable form.
Is responsible for department purchasing and payments, assuring proper budgetary coding and
approvals.
Is responsible for records management for the department,