Staff Assistant/Landscape Horticulture - Merritt College

Under the general supervision of the Dean, the Staff Assistant is responsible for all administrative tasks associated with administering the Landscape Horticulture Program, and performs a variety of complex tasks in the preparation and maintenance of administrative support services operations.

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty of the position satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions required for the position.

• Maintains accurate and accessible files on equipment and supplies for the department.
• Assists with the development of Landscape Horticulture policies and procedures, including updating the student handbook as needed.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the Landscape/Horticulture industry as it pertaining to the provision of support services to Landscape Horticulture students
• Maintains accurate and accessible files on Landscape Horticulture students.
• Assists in the hiring, training and supervision of temporary staff and students who perform clerical/receptionist duties for the department.
• Develops and maintains database of statistics for the Landscape Horticulture Program and department statistics for research, evaluation and report writing purposes
• Develops and recommends any modification to improve department performance, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develops, monitors and maintains Landscape Horticulture Program and department operational budgets, including Personnel Action Forms, requisitions, supply invoices etc.
• Works independently to provide technical and clerical support for the department
• Prepares written and oral reports for the Department of Landscape Horticulture program
• Operates modern office equipment, i.e. personal computer, CRT, printer, fax machines, multi-line telephone and Xerox copier
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Assist as needed with updating the class schedule, room assignments, department contact lists and various other department tracking/documentations.

1. Three (3) years of clerical and technical experience in general office work, or an equivalent combination of training and qualifying experience, which demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the duties of the position.

2. Knowledge and proficiency in the operation and use of personal computers utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and database management software programs (e.g., MS Office Suite- Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), the internet browser, and e-mail.

3. Understanding of, sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of Peralta Colleges’ students, faculty, staff and community.

• Ability to organize and work independently.
• Ability to independently set up, monitor, and track budgets and prepare reports.
• Some experience working in a landscape/horticulture environment

• Knowledge of:

o Concepts, techniques, procedures, and other guidelines applicable to the designated area of specialization
o Administrative and office procedures and practices
o Basic research and analytical methods
o Proper and correct English usage, grammar, and punctuation
o Modern office equipment, including familiarity with data entry and retrieval using computer terminals

• Ability to:

o Perform a variety of difficult technical and clerical work related to the designated area of specialization
o Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work
o Analyze situations and make decisions in procedural matters without immediate supervision
o Speak and write effectively
o Type with speed and accuracy (45 wpm)
o Learn rapidly a variety of rules and procedures relating to the assigned area of responsibility
o Train and supervise clerical and student personnelo Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports