Job Description

Administrative Specialist

The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Administrative Specialist.

This promotional opportunity is open only to current full-time employees of the City of Carson.

Ideal Candidate:

We're looking for a detail-oriented, highly organized communications professional to provide administrative support for Public Information Office division. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced public-sector environment, values accuracy and transparency, and is comfortable balancing day-to-day operations with high-visibility projects. Candidates should be adept at managing multiple projects, coordinating schedules, and supporting administrative workflows, including report preparation, budgeting assistance, and contract tracking. Proficiency with digital platforms, attention to detail, and professionalism are key, along with an understanding of the role government communications play in building public trust.

Vacancy Information:

There is one full-time (FSLA Non-exempt) vacancy, with a 4/10 schedule: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Work hours and/or work schedule may be changed based on the needs of the City.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, conducts studies and analysis of operations for the assigned division in order to solve problems of budget, organization, program, procedure, manpower utilization, capital projects or equipment as staff support to a higher level. Though positions allocable to this class have access to the advice of a higher-level manager, incumbents of these positions are expected to independently develop and proceed through the methodology of studies and prepare recommendations for the solution of problems in situations requiring them to consider the advantages and disadvantages of several alternative solutions. This position supports the assigned Division's administration for the various project areas included but not limited to planning, training and assists in contract and grant administration and management.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Administrative Specialist is the entry level classification in the two-level job series. Incumbents in this classification perform the full range of duties of the class independently, but without the full responsibilities required of the Senior Administrative Specialist position.

Essential Duties

(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind related duties and work assignments.)

1. Designs and independently completes various types of studies including collecting, compiling, and analyzing various types of data.
2. Prepares staff reports and official correspondence, including written communications regarding City programs, policies, or activities for public dissemination.
3. Prepares and monitors budget and expenditures in Tyler Munis system; develops and implements operational procedures for the unit to which assigned.
4. Special program lead
5. Supervision of contracted employees and assists in overall contract administration.
6. Assists in the administration of service contracts to assure compliance.
7. Evaluates the impact of new and revised programs on the objectives of the unit and the unit's budget.
8. Researches and prepares grant proposals.
9. Provides information to and consults with the public, including the use of social media platforms.
10. Lead special projects and ad hoc assignments as assigned by the Division's and Department's management.
11. Monitors maintenance of office files and records.
12. Drafts and prepares official correspondence.
13. Prepares requisitions of supplies and equipment.
14. Staff liaison for City commission meetings, including ad hoc commissions.
15. Assists in preparing specifications for material, equipment, and services.
16. May train and supervise lower-level staff.
17. May apply knowledge of data processing systems to procedures of the work unit; assists in the preparation of the unit's budget; maintains effective liaison within the department, with other departments, and other agencies.
18. Represents the division at interdepartmental meetings, with outside agencies, and with vendors.
19. Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field, and one (1) year full-time paid experience in a staff capacity analyzing and making recommendations for the solution of problems of organization, systems and procedures, program, budget or personnel. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis, up to two (2) years.

Knowledge of:

• Personal computer and software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office, Excel & PowerPoint).
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Assigned Division's principles, guidelines, and best practices
• Research and analytical methods.
• Methods of report presentation.
• Basic purchasing and budgeting practices utilizing financial software (i.e., Tyler Munis).
• Basic personnel principles.
• Office Management practices.
• Department or division policy and procedure, including safe working environments.

Skill and/or Ability to:

• Compile, analyze and evaluate data.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Meet approved minimal physical and medical standards.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Working Conditions

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:

• Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
• Perform work which is primarily sedentary.
• May be required to use personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• Is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• May be required to attend periodic evening meetings and/or to travel within and out of City boundaries to attend meetings.
• May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.

Recruitment Process:

This recruitment will close at 6:00pm Wednesday, March 04, 2026. To be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

• Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
• Oral exam, weighted at 100%
• Final Selection Interview

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.

Note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and qualifying candidates will be interviewed and considered for employment on a "first come-first served" basis. Candidates interested in these positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Appointment: Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information: The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender. In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the report's accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act,

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