Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Government, not-for-profit,
Fire Department
Department: Office Administration
Years worked in this industry: 3 years
Years worked in this department: less
than 1 year
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): That I had
worked in a state employment position prior to this one.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 19 (chiefs, majors,
captains, sergeants), firefighters, Ladies Auxillary and Board Chairman. There are also many volunteers and of course
the public, as our salaries and fire house are paid by tax-payers.
Typical work hours: M-F 8-5
Weekends or overtime hours: I am the
acting secretary for our Board of Trustees, Officer’s Club and the Ladies Auxillary. I attend monthly Board Meetings and Officer’s Meetings on week
nights. I get to leave early either that day or another day during the
week. There is no additional compensation for the Ladies Auxillary meetings
which are always on weekends. Additionally, I sit on several committees
which are not compensated hours.
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.): approx. mid
$30,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): All of
my insurance (vision, health, dental) are paid for 100%. I also have a
company Blackberry, $300/month clothing allowance, fuel reimbursement,
401k, gym membership, vacation, sick and personal days (total 1 ½ month). I must mention that not all
admins
who work in the Fire Service are compensated this well. I am very
fortunate.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
“Go big early” - when arriving on a fire scene, utilize more water than
probably necessary, but rather be safe than sorry.
“Knock it out” - when radio dispatches a fire or accident run
A typical day on the job:
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I have TOTAL creative liberty
with this position. Since it’s new, I pretty much do what ever I want to.
I have a super Chief and Asst. Chief. I couldn’t ask for better bosses.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Since this is a brand new
position, some of the firefighters and the Ladies Auxillary think that I
am a “receptionist” and supposed to be at their beck and call. My chief
sometimes doesn’t include me in conversations about important information
going on in our fire house. He doesn’t do it on purpose. He’s been so
reliant on himself that he forgets what I am here for sometimes.
Type of workspace/office:
office
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Human Resources, AR/AP,
attending meetings, taking notes and transcribing them, scheduling
meetings and running errands.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: To be
able to function “on the fly”, be detail oriented and have a
quasi-military background.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, printer and we have a computer that is a copier, scanner,
printer and fax machine in one. It’s horrible when it breaks down. I also
use radios for dispatch.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Critical soft skills: Communication is
the most important part of my job. We (I) deal with numerous emergency
situations daily and without good, clear and concise communication,
situations can turn bad, fast. I also speak to the community about fire
safety and am forming a Fire Service Admin Support Group.
Pace of this position: Fast - fires and
accident occur all the time, around the clock.
Geographical region: Southeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™