Administrative Assistant, Cass County (Pine River, MN)

About the Job

Bargaining unit consideration begins 11/02/2026 and closes 11/09/2026.

Title: Administrative Assistant, Cass County

Job code: 1826,Prin Ofc & Admin Specialist; AFSCME Clerical represented

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time 100%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Cass County Extension Office, Pine River, MN; This is an in-person position

Estimated salary range: $23.24 - $27.50/hour; depending on qualifications

Apply by: November 10, 2026

About the Job

This position is part of a county Extension office staff team who are vital to Extension's outreach mission in connecting local needs with University of Minnesota resources. This position provides support to the local 4-H program, Master Gardener program, and all other Extension programs and activities. This position provides day-to-day operations, including customer service and administrative support for county Extension programs and activities. This position will report to the Regional Director, Northeast Region. The person in this position serves a vital role as the first point of contact for customers, visitors, and community members and performs general office duties as assigned.

Location and Work Environment

This position is not remote and requires working in the office. Work is typically performed in an ordinary office environment and often involves working at the front desk, where the employee greets and assists visitors. There may be frequent interruptions during the workday. Physical activity is light and intermittent, such as walking through the facility or carrying files or materials. Occasional attendance at evening meetings may be required. Driving for short errands or intermittently to meetings. Work may be performed at alternate sites, including public event spaces and county fairgrounds, to support events.

Work Schedule

The work schedule is Monday - Friday, with a typical shift of 8am - 4:30pm, with some flexibility. Occasional attendance at evening meetings are required. Additional hours are required during county fair season, including evenings and weekends.

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned

Program Support (75%)

• Assists Extension staff in planning and developing resources and events:

• Provides logistical support (meeting rooms, catering, registration)

• Supports evaluation efforts

• Assists in communicating Extension programs through website updates, social media, listservs, newsletters, and print and radio media.

• Helps to ensure Extension is adhering to applicable county and University policies

• Provides direct and back-up support for the county 4-H program:

• Supports 4-H program volunteers and members with enrollment, event registration, and promotion materials

• Maintains 4-H databases and generates reports, including county fair 4-H database

• Maintains 4-H finances utilizing QuickBooks, including reconciliation of accounts, coding of transactions, and processing incoming and outgoing transactions

• Provides clerical, logistical, and technical support for 4-H programming

• Assists with showcase events, including:

• Updating and publishing 4-H premium book

• Assists with the Animal ID process

• Provides information and coordination support at the county fair

• Assists with enlisting and preparing materials for county fair judges

• Order and organizes supplies for events and programs

• Provides support for auctions, award ceremonies and other special events

• Provides direct support for the county Master Gardener program

• Supports Master Gardener recruitment efforts.

• Assists with Master Gardener program communications. Responsible for reviewing and finalizing Master Gardener county program emails, newsletters, updating website content.

• Assists with the preparation of reports, compiling garden and volunteer data

• Provides support for Master Gardener program finances and purchasing

Office and the General Administration (25%)

• Operates and maintains general office equipment; consults with IT as appropriate.

• Orders, maintains, and manages office supplies and publications for the department.

• Processes office mail.

• Processes county claims and invoices.

• Maintains schedule for office meeting rooms.

• Participates in training, professional staff development, and conferences.

• Point of contact for the county Extension office; receives, greets, and responds to requests; provides resources and referrals to questions and distributes requests/messages to correct parties

• Provides clerical and technical office support for all Extension programs and staff, including the Regional Director

• Assists with creating and modifying electronic documents, brochures, program fliers, posters, reports and correspondence. Prints, scans and files materials.

• Provides support to the county Extension committee

• Maintains confidentiality.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and two years of related clerical, office or administrative experience OR equivalent combination of relevant office work experience AND related education in administrative support course work/office setting to total two years.

• Strong customer service experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient with email, calendaring, word processing, spreadsheets and database software.

• Proficient with standard office equipment.

• Proficient with general bookkeeping.

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle with required insurance, as some travel will be required, including driving regularly on short errands or intermittently to meetings.

• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, and carry up to 50 pounds to different areas of the facility

• Must be able to work regularly at the Cass County Extension Office in Pine River, MN

• Ability to work extra hours and/or a flexible work schedule during county fair season, to include evenings and weekends

• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions

• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, able to prioritize work, manage workflow with unexpected interruptions, and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

• Demonstrate troubleshooting, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently

• Experience with QuickBooks or other financial management software

• Experience with websites and social media

• Knowledge and understanding of financial policies and procedures

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.24 - $27.50/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.