Office Assistant I

Office Assistant I

Salary

$38,751.60 - $45,343.44 Annually

Location

Compton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-27:17

Department

Recreation

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GENERAL PURPOSE

Office Assistant I is the class which is normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Office Aide when employees have been certified eligible, or, when filled from the outside, requires prior clerical experience. Office Assistant I works under general supervision, and, within a framework of established procedures, is expected to perform a wide variety of typing and general clerical duties with only one occasional instruction or assistance. Adequate performance at this level requires a knowledge of departmental procedures and precedents, and the ability to choose among alternatives in solving problems. An Office Assistant I is expected to work productively even in the absence of a supervisor. Employees in this class may often have contact with the public, answering a variety of procedural questions or giving out factual information. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares, sorts, and/or files materials such as correspondence or forms, and may maintain established files, manuals, or indices in accordance with prescribed filing system procedures which may include reviewing file for accuracy and completeness.
• Searches for materials through use of indices or locates missing materials through conducting a file search.
• Maintains simple records by transferring data, calculating totals and subtotals or maintains cross-reference files by assigning or checking filing codes to items based on material/document content; maintains logs of processed materials.
• Receives, time stamps, routes, and/or distributes materials on schedule and in accordance with prescribed methods such as routing based on material content.
• Pack or unpack materials or books; moves large objects or delivers/picks up materials or mail; run errands as necessary.
• Collates or staples materials by hand or machine; folds, inserts, and seals materials in envelopes by hand or machine; wraps, stamps, and mails materials.
• Types lists, cards, addresses, labels, forms, or routine correspondence from handwritten or typed copy using standard typewriter, word processing equipment, or keyboard remote terminal (CRT/TP); proofreads and/or corrects typed material for completeness and/or spelling, grammatical, or punctuation accuracy.
• Receives the public and answers phone; provides routine factual information and directs people to appropriate office.
• Operates a variety of office equipment, such as photocopiers and collators.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) year of general office/clerical work experience - at a level which is equivalent to the Office Aide position classification.

Post secondary education - successful completion of 18 semester units in secretarial science - may be substituted for the required experience.

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of office methods and procedures; office equipment operation.

Ability to:

Use correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; proofread; understand and follow verbal and written instructions; alphabetize or numerically/chronologically sort materials; operate a variety of office equipment; receive the public in person and over the phone; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Special Requirements

Office Assistant I requires at least 40 words per minute.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the hiring department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Additional applications may be reviewed at a later time, based on hiring needs.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a written examination (weighted 50%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 50%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department managers recommendation for employment is subject to the City Managers approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS

The Citys comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources
• Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
• City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position youre interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

What is the highest level of education you possess? If you possess a degree higher than a H.S. Diploma or equivalent, please attach proof to your application for validation.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Associates Degree in a related field
• Bachelors Degree in a related field
• Masters Degree in a related field
• None of the above

02

How many words per minute can you type? A typing certificate must be attached to application for validation.

• 35 wpm
• 40 wpm
• 45 wpm
• 50 wpm or more

03

Have you successfully completed at least of 18 semester units in secretarial science? If yes, please note proof of this education must be attached to your application for validation.

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of general office/clerical work experience at a level which is equivalent to the Office Aide position classification do you possess? Please note your application must clearly outline this experience.

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year
• Two (2) years
• Three (3) years
• Four (4) or more years

05

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question

Employer City of Compton

Address 205 South Willowbrook Ave

Compton, California, 90220

Phone 310-605-5535

Website https://www.comptoncity.org