Current job title: Administrative
Assistant II
Industry: Research
Department: Defects Analysis
(government contractor)
Years worked in this industry: 21
Years worked in this department: 5
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Nothing
specific but when I started with my company I did have knowledge of the
computer they were using (Wang). Again nothing specific for the change in
departments but I did have prior knowledge of what was involved with the
research performed.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: I directly support 5
engineers, 1 division chief, and 3 additional engineers. I also am the
timekeeper for 29 federal employees, and help with 2 additional divisions
beside my own.
Typical work hours: Monday – Thursday
6:00 am to 3:30 pm and Friday 6:00 am to 10:00 am
Weekends or overtime hours: I do work
over at times and I do not get paid; I sometimes do get to leave early if
it is pre-arranged before I actually stay over (which is rarely planned,
so it is not a pre-arrangement).
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): $11.00/hour -
$17.00/hour
Benefits (direct or indirect): Our
health insurance is very cost effective (could improve in some areas of
service though) and we are given a lump sum each quarter called PTO that
is to be used for holidays, sick leave, and vacation (this is
pre-determined according to time of service).
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Since most of our research is in the automotive line, most terms are known
by all (rollover, durability, child seats, etc.), but some of our research
is dedicated to biomechanics. One term used in this research is
anthropomorphic and Hygee.
A typical day on the job: I start each
day with going over the time and attendance for the federal employees. I
then progress to updating our employee leave schedule. At this particular
time of the fiscal year, we are researching various items to purchase for
any upcoming programs (tools, parts, vehicles, etc.) [before the books
close]. This puts a lot of pressure to get the research completed and the
buys committed. There are also last minute memos and reports that have to
be submitted to meet the fourth quarter milestones. Generally it is a
whatever lands on my desk type of job since I wear many hats and help
fill-in for the two other administrative assistants in their absence
(also another administrative assistant that has entirely different duties,
I am her only backup).
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: There is never a dull moment.
The research results are very interesting and knowing that they impact the
entire population makes you feel very good about your job. Our environment
is relaxed and I think this is very conducive to getting even more
accomplished in the hours we are at work.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Working with all the different
attitudes and/or office politics. Due to the diversity of the research and
the structure of the company, there is no place to advance (a new position
would need to be created) which leads to not really caring when you get
some projects completed. This goes back to the attitudes.
Type of workspace/office:
Cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
1) Time cards for the federal employees
2) Typing of all letters and memos for one division
3) Format and proof of reports for my division,
4) Travel for my division as well as all the other divisions in the lab if
needed
5) Purchasing requests (part of duties), shipping/receiving, vehicle
inventory, physical inventory (as requested).
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Access), ability to handle many
jobs and prioritize on a daily basis, work well with many “bosses” and
stay out of the gossip pool.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer (of course), copy/fax machine, folding machine for mass mailings,
adding machine. Like most offices, the equipment is very general.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Our travel program is very intense but I do enjoy working in it. Also the
payroll program can be cumbersome but again I enjoy working with it also.
Most of the other skills are what I envision all administrative assistants
using.
Critical soft skills: Because I have so
many different staff to work with, my communication has to be top notch.
The various type of work also requires a level head in order to prioritize
the work load. Working with the people at headquarters (Washington, DC)
while I am out in the region [another state] can be difficult unless I am
willing to recognize the little quirks and not over-react.
Pace of this position: usually average
(occasionally extremely fast)
Geographical region: East U.S.
