Current job title: Executive Assistant
Industry: Public Health, Federal
Department: Division of Emergency
Operations
Years worked in this industry: 4
Years worked in this department: 4
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Emergency
Response, I also have a diploma in business technology and accounting.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: By job description only 2
but actually 67
Typical work hours: 8:30-6:00
Weekends or overtime hours: I am on
call 24/7, overtime is not always paid, depends on purpose
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. $48,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes,
very reasonable, never makes you feel guilty for having to take care of
family.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
A). IMS—Incident Management System: A tier system that is utilities
through the nation in regards to organizing and responding to an emergency
response event.
B). FEMA—Federal Emergency Management Agency: We work hand in hand with
FEMA and other state and locate emergency responders.
C). DEOC—Director’s Emergency Operations Center: A centralized location in
which our Division supports various parts of [our agency] and other agencies that
work together when an event is on-going and we are utilizing the Incident
Management System.
A typical day on the job: My day can be
any where from very routine (responding to email, travel arrangements,
etc…) to supporting a major event in our operations center, which would
mean that I go downstairs and support our incident manager, assist in
meeting preparations, take notes on conference calls, and approve
emergency travel vouchers.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: The excitement, ability to
meet the people that I do, knowing that my job actually makes a difference
in the world.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Can be very boring at times,
some of the long hours that are required and working 10-12 days straight.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Budget tracking,
administrative training, supporting two directors, approval of travel
vouchers, document tracking, weekly updates [for director].
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Efficient knowledge of Microsoft office, ability to organize and work in a
hectic environment, knowledge of accounting.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Copier, scanner, printer
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Computer, phone, office equipment
Critical soft skills: Communication,
working with different personalities, organizational skills, this
environment can be extremely fast paced and organizational skills are a
must. The ability to communicate with many types of personalities is also
very essential in this environment. You work with military, scientist, and
doctors and have to be able to communicate effectively with all.
Pace of this position: Fast
Geographical region: Southeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™