OFFICE ASSISTANT

Job Description:

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Management Services
Reporting Location: 611 Walker - 6th floor
Workdays & Hours : Monday-Friday 8am- 5pm*
*Subject to change

Join the City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department as an Office Assistant. This role is essential to ensure smooth operations and providing exceptional administrative support across multiple functions that keep our department running efficiently.

ABOUT US:
The Planning & Development Department plays a vital role in shaping Houston’s future by overseeing land development regulations, public notifications, and long-range planning initiatives. Our team works to support growth and development while maintaining compliance with city codes and standards.

POSITION PROFILE:
The Office Assistant provides essential administrative and customer service support within the Planning & Development Department, working collaboratively with existing staff to ensure efficient operations. This role assists with a variety of tasks, including mailouts, public notifications and occasional front desk coverage. The position also supports resource management for departmental events (such as tablecloths, easels, and other shared materials), monitors the PD inbox, and contributes to small projects and other administrative activities as needed.

The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail while supporting multiple teams in a dynamic environment.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate Mailouts and Public Notifications: Oversee the preparation, organization, and distribution of departmental mailings and notifications to ensure timely and accurate communication with stakeholders.

• Procures necessary supplies and services (e.g. office supplies, printers, telephone change orders, equipment repair and maintenance, office furniture, office forms, etc.) to maintain operational efficiency.
• Provide Front Desk Support: Deliver professional and courteous reception services, including greeting visitors, managing incoming calls, and directing inquiries to appropriate personnel.
• Manage Shared Resources: Administer departmental resources such as tablecloths, easels, and other event materials, ensuring availability and proper allocation for meetings and functions.
• Monitor Planning Department Inbox: Oversee and respond to inquiries in the Planning & Development inbox, ensuring accurate and timely communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Assists supervisor(s) in the coordination of office management activities by performing varied clerical tasks and administrative support duties in the assigned division.
  

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

• Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks.
• Organized & Efficient: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-Solver: Resourceful and able to troubleshoot effectively.
• Adaptable: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities.
• Proactive: Self-starter with initiative and a focus on results.
• Team-Oriented: Collaborative and able to build positive working relationships.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Planning and Development Department Position at the Tier III Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS :
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Certification: May be required to pass a City administered typing test with a typing speed of 60 words per minute with no more than 6 errors.

EXPERIENCE:
One year of clerical or administrative support experience is required.

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All duties and responsibilities may not be included in the above job description.

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The department may administer a skill assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:
No

SALARY INFORMATION:
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 9

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6049

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6049. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 4/7/2026 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$20.00 - $25.90 Hourly