About Orinda
The beautiful City of Orinda is a family-oriented community of approximately 20,000 residents who enjoy a semi-rural setting surrounded by majestic tree-studded hillsides within its 12.8 square miles. It is bordered by the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, Berkeley, and Oakland. Orinda is located in Contra Costa County, within 20 minutes of downtown San Francisco. A BART station is situated in the center of the community allowing a convenient commute within the Bay Area.
Orinda incorporated as a City in 1985, after more than 100 years of gradual development and has a reputation as a well-managed and stable municipal government. The City operates under a Council/Manager form of government, with five elected city council members who serve at-large, each for a four-year term. The City of Orinda has a dedicated and professional staff of approximately 40 budgeted employees supplemented with part-time and seasonal staff.
Location
Description
Are you an organized, people-loving professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys making a real difference in your community? Do you love juggling projects, helping the public, and keeping an office running like a well-oiled machine?
The City of Orinda is seeking a bright, motivated, and customer-service oriented Administrative Assistant I/II to join our Public Works & Engineering Services Department at City Hall!
This is a part-time regular position working approximately 20 hours per week — ideal for someone seeking meaningful, impactful work with flexibility and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to scale back from full-time, balance school or family commitments, or stay engaged in public service after retirement from a CalPERS agency, this role offers the opportunity to contribute in a big way - on a part-time schedule.
This is more than an administrative role — you’ll be the welcoming face and helpful voice for residents, the organizational backbone of our department, and a key player supporting important public works projects that keep Orinda running smoothly.
What You'll Do
In this highly visible and rewarding role, you will:
Serve as the first point of contact for residents calling with public works questions or concerns.
Provide exceptional customer service with professionalism and diplomacy.
Support the Maintenance and Facilities Superintendent and the Public Works and Engineering management team with contracts, projects, and daily operations.
Coordinate committee support, including posting agendas and minutes and maintaining website updates.
Manage records, invoices, payments, and departmental documentation.
Assist with special events, trainings, and coordination of departmental meetings.
Help improve office procedures and recommend organizational efficiencies.
No two days are the same. This is a role for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, and teamwork.
For a full listing of duties, please review the job classification.
Why Work for Orinda?
At the City of Orinda, we value:
Serving the public
Respect and accountability
Professionalism
Responsibility
Collaboration
You’ll be joining a supportive team that truly cares about the community and about each other.
This position is flexibly-staffed depending on experience and is scheduled for approximately 20 hours per week, with a consistent, predicable schedule.
Salary
Administrative Assistant I: $29.34 – $35.80/hour
Administrative Assistant II: $31.39 – $38.30/hour
MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS (Summary)
All City of Orinda employees are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s core values including serving the public, being respectful and accountable, maintaining professionalism, and demonstrating responsibility. Minimum qualifications for the position are noted below.
Administrative Assistant I
Two (2) years of administrative experience
High school diploma (plus business/secretarial training)
Valid California driver’s license
Administrative Assistant II
Three (3) years of administrative experience at a comparable level
Same education and license requirements
Ability to work in a standard office environment and lift up to 30 pounds.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a completed application, resume, and cover letter via CalOpps.org by:
5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a practical test and oral interview. Final candidates must pass a background check and pre-employment screening.
The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin or disability. In accordance with Federal law, the City of Orinda will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter eager to provide responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative. The successful candidate will be adept at managing multiple priorities and works as a generalist with a broad range of responsibilities to ensure that office operations run smoothly and that the public and staff receive quality customer service.
Other desirable qualities include:
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and specialized systems and software, such as web content management, scheduling, agenda management and document imaging systems.
- Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping and maintenance of a wide variety of complex and technical information.
- Possess good judgement, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
- Have a welcoming, professional, and outgoing demeanor with the ability to build strong relationships.
- Willingness to continue education and training; learn new systems and processes and a desire to grow.
- Familiarity with city government is a plus - but not required.
Benefits
Benefits (Part-Time – 20 Hours/Week)
This position is part of the General Employees’ Unit and is represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 856. The City of Orinda offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support part-time employees.
Work Schedule
This is a regular, part-time position scheduled to work 20 hours per week, offering a consistent schedule and strong work-life balance. All benefits are prorated based on scheduled hours.
Compensation Growth
In addition to cost-of-living adjustments, employees are eligible for 5% step increases based on performance.
Retirement
The City contributes 13% of base salary to a MissionSquare Retirement 401(a) defined contribution plan (with a three-year vesting period).
The City of Orinda does not participate in CalPERS and does not contribute to Social Security (Medicare only).
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in a MissionSquare 457 plan, with the City providing a match of up to 3% of employee contributions.
Health Benefits
The City offers a variety of medical plan options for employees and their dependents, including low- and no-cost plans depending on selection.
- Cash-in-lieu option available with proof of alternate coverage
- Full family premium paid by the City for dental and vision coverage
Paid Time Off (General Leave)
In lieu of separate vacation and sick leave, employees receive 19 days of General Leave (PTO) in the first year (prorated), increasing annually up to a maximum of 25 days.
Holidays
The City observes 14 paid holidays annually, including 2 floating holidays (prorated for part-time employees).
Insurance & Income Protection
- City-paid life insurance (1x annual salary, up to $150,000)
- City-paid Long-Term Disability coverage
- State Disability Insurance (employee-funded)
Retiree Health Savings
The City contributes $110 per month to a Retiree Health Savings Account (prorated).
Additional Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
- Pre-tax commuter benefits (conveniently located near the Orinda BART station)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Reduced fees for City Parks & Recreation programs
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Please note: All benefits for regular part-time employees are prorated based on scheduled hours.
Special Instructions
The job application must be filled out completely. List experience that relates to the qualifications as required on the job announcement, beginning with your most recent experience. List each promotion separately. Voluntary non-paid experience will be accepted if job related.
Please include in your application or resume your current typing skill level (wpm net).
A resume may not be used as a substitute for completing the application form. However, the City strongly recommends a resume and cover letter be submitted with the application.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to show that he/she meets the minimum qualifications in this job announcement.
The City of Orinda is an equal opportunity employer and supports workplace diversity.