-
Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Maintains correspondence and data files including confidential and sensitive files.
- Makes appointments and arranges details of conferences exercising discretion in committing the manager's time.
- Gathers and distributes supporting data for meetings, projects, and reports.
- Acts as recording secretary to departmental management meetings, county-wide committees or public advisory groups.
- Takes notes, screens callers and visitors and personally assists those whose business does not warrant seeing the manager.
- Answers a variety of questions requiring considerable tact and judgment.
- Personally deals with complaints where possible.
- Independently composes non-routine letters and memos requiring knowledge of the department's policies and procedures.
- Types letters, reports, and other finished copy from oral instructions, rough drafts, dictation or marginal notes.
- May follow up with other staff to insure that deadlines are met.
- Handles confidential information and matters of personal delicacy.
- Processes travel requests, makes travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Assists in the technical preparation and administration of the departmental budget and maintains budget and expense account records.
- Takes action during the manager's absence and uses initiative and judgment to see that matters requiring attention are referred to delegated authority or handled.
- Selects and/or makes recommendations for purchase of supplies and equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
SECRETARY I
Experience:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible general clerical, or secretarial experience.
Education:
Formal training in secretarial skills from a business or community college may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
SECRETARY II
OPTION I
Experience:
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible general clerical, or secretarial experience.
Education:
Formal training in secretarial skills from a business or community college may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
OPTION II
Experience:
One (1) year performing duties equivalent to Secretary I in Merced County.
Desirable for Secretary I/II:
Typing Skills:
Type at a corrected rate of 50 words per minute from clear copy.
Special Requirement:
Some positions may require the ability to take dictation at a rate of 100 words per minute.
Essential Functions- Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment.
- Conduct research and develop appropriate correspondence.
- Create correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentation materials using various computer software programs.
- Establish and maintain filing systems.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
- Occasionally lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Occasionally kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
- Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
- Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation.
- Modern office methods and practices including filing systems, business correspondence, and reception techniques.
- Basic research and survey methods.
- Business report writing techniques.
- Programming, operation and capabilities of various word processing machines.
- Budget preparation, submission and monitoring procedures.
- Principles of supervision and training.
- Plan, organize, and complete work rapidly and efficiently.
- Interpret and apply departmental policies, and rules.
- Proofread written materials to identify errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
- Compose correspondence based on policy and guidelines.
- Take dictation or notes for long periods of time or when numerous people are speaking.
- Keep complex records and prepare reports.
- Meet the public and high level officials in situations requiring tact, diplomacy, and poise.
- Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise the work of others as required.
- Effectively represent a Department, Board or Commission in situations requiring tact, diplomacy and poise.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Merced County non-management employees are enrolled in the State Disability Insurance Program (SDI). Premiums for this insurance are paid by the employee. This insurance is administered solely by the State, who determines eligibility and payments. Benefit amounts are based on the quarter with the highest wages earned within the base period.
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Represented Employees $10,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security.The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; yourpension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Maintains correspondence and data files including confidential and sensitive files.
-
ABOUT THE COMPANY
-
-
Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
-