This position is in office and not remote.
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
You will have the opportunity to work in one of the most unique and challenging environments imaginable. Your work will entail applying all traditional administrative tasks in a capacity that supports and enhances the vital public service mission of the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office (PCMEO). Your work will directly support the success of this department as it performs essential functions in monitoring and protecting the health and safety of Pierce County communities.
Why It's a Great Department:
We serve the living through professional death investigations and forensic postmortem examinations, up to and including autopsy. We work together both within and across teams to provide forensic pathology and death investigation services that are timely, accurate, thorough, and independent from outside influences. You will assist this close-knit staff that performs a critical role for Pierce County.
PCMEO is a stand-alone, secure forensic autopsy facility accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). The office currently has a Lodox™ full-body radiography machine and is undergoing a facility improvement to incorporate advanced imaging computed tomography (CT) into the daily workflow. PCMEO is a modern, moderate-volume, well-equipped four-autopsy station facility with four full-time forensic pathologists, including the Chief Medical Examiner. The office is at the forefront of applying advanced imaging technology and electronic case management systems to streamline workflows and optimize efficiency. A facility renovation project is underway and designed with an eye toward future growth. Your office is fully equipped with modern technology and furnishings. Parking is secure, free, and on-site.
For more information about our great organization, please visit by clicking here.
How to be Successful in the Role:
Bring in your exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize duties and multitask while balancing frequent interruptions. Successful candidates must have administrative support experience along with advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams) and Adobe Acrobat. You must be adaptable, have an eagerness to learn, maintain confidentiality, have strong verbal and written communication skills, and have the ability to discuss difficult and sensitive topics with the general public with professionalism and empathy. Due to the nature of the work PCMEO performs, you must also have a solid ability to maintain professionalism and emotional well-being while being exposed to information that many may find disturbing and traumatizing.
Your Future in this Role:
This is an opportunity to expand your current skillset in a department with a vitally important public service mission. You will be part of a small and dedicated, close-knit staff, reporting to a supportive management team and working with some of the most uniquely skilled people in the community. As you develop in this role, you will have an opportunity to participate in various Pierce County training courses that will strengthen your skills to be both a stronger member of our team and a more valuable member of our great Pierce County communities.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative services to the head of a department or upper management; make arrangements for meetings and notify conferees, maintain calendar, arrange for travel, transportation and accommodation, answer questions on status of current projects exercising discretion in the type of information given, make appointments, relay messages of confidential nature.
- Participate in the collection of data and preparation of complex reports requiring thorough knowledge of departmental operations, procedures and regulations. Conduct research and special studies in needed areas and prepare reports with recommendation for corrective actions.
- Maintain and update appointments to appropriate Boards and Commissions. Handle related correspondence; compose letters and responses to correspondence and memoranda.
- Control expenditures in accordance with budget allocations by reviewing proposed expenditures.
- Represent supervisor or department at meetings; address administrative and policy matters, explain and interpret complex rules, policies and operating procedures. Provide information and advice concerning specialized or technical services rendered and related office functions including response to difficult problems and questions raised by the public or by employees.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.
- Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
- Three or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience which includes experience directly related to the duties of the position.
- Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.
To be considered for this opportunity please:
- Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.
Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home? 
