Administrative Assistant III

This position closes on 08/07/2025.

This position provides secretarial and administrative support to the Assessor's Office and other upper management staff to ensure efficient and smooth operations of the department. Performs office operations including budgeting, payroll and personnel records, office accounting, and supplies inventory control. Collaborates with the Administrative Assistant in providing expert response to public inquiries on property tax laws and levies, calculation of property taxes, and offer support to junior taxing districts with calculations for levy certifications. In the absence of the Administrative Assistant, assumes the responsibility for office management.

*Clerical Exam:   

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC) or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process.   Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $90   

LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays. 

Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes. 

To schedule testing, individuals can register at :  www.registerblast.com/lowercolumbia     or call the Testing Center directly at 360-442-2353

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance 
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County:

1. Provide clerical, secretarial and administrative support to the Assessor, Administrative Assistant, and the Chief Appraisers. Draft routine department correspondence and reply to public inquiries.
2. Prepare regular reports such as the annual assessor’s report detailing information on property valuations, levies, and taxes; the abstract assessed values report itemizing taxable property in the county; and other reports for state and county use.
3. Collaborate with the Assessor and the staff to conduct research and prepare the department’s preliminary budget, make adjustments through the preparation process and prepare the final draft.
4. Provide customer service on property tax issues, property tax laws and levies to the general public and junior taxing districts.
5. Prepare certifications indicating taxes to be collected when annual budgets are received from the taxing districts.
6. Maintain the department’s expense ledger, and monitor expense activities. Prepare and process all purchase orders; certify and process claim vouchers and invoices.  Maintain and order department supplies and equipment.
7. Maintain the Assessor’s Office library and technical reference publications.
8. Drafts and maintains administrative office procedures. Train new staff on office procedures; update current staff on changes.
9. Develop and maintain general department records, including suspense files to schedule activities and to insure that suspense dates for activities, correspondence and reports are met.
10. Develop and maintain department personnel records such as attendance, schedule and record vacation and all other leave times, and process department’s payroll.  Monitor personnel status such as payroll increases/adjustments. Assist the staff with vacation, leave, and other personnel questions.
11. Assist in the recruitment of new office staff.  Assists with the training and supervision of the assessment records division staff.
12. Maintain office petty cash fund. Account, audit and prepare daily receipts for transfer to the County Treasurer.
13. Arrange travel accommodations, verifies travel expenditures and prepare travel vouchers.
14. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Take minutes during meetings.
15. Receive, review, and distribute incoming mail.
16. Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or provide a passing NCRC Certificate.
3. Two years of experience in the following areas: general administration, secretarial, and/or accounting/bookkeeping.
4. Proficient use of computers for general office/administrative applications.
5. Knowledge of real estate fundamentals and property tax laws as they relate to the department’s responsibilities.

1. Able to deal courteously with the public and county employees requiring services. Possess interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relations with other department staff and county employees. 
2. Able to work in a cooperative and multi-task work environment, and able to work under deadline requirements.
3. Able to communicate effectively in oral and written professional business-like manner. Compose correspondence from dictation or rough notes. Develop and prepare effective reports.
4. Knowledge and application of office administration procedures. Able to lead and direct junior or new staff.
5. Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
6. Develop and maintain general understanding of the codes and other information that relate to the functions and services of the department.

Salary : $54,252 - $63,828