Career story: part-time administrator

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

We’ve asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career stories with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, an anonymous civil servant explains why it’s crucial to be open to a variety of tasks in their role as a part-time administrator.

What is your current job title?

Part-time Administrator

How do you spend most of your time on an average day?

Over the 14 years I have been with the municipality, my title has not really matched my tasks. I currently work in municipal community assisting the grants officer. Together we set guidelines, intake and review grants, attend meetings, conduct training sessions, guide community groups, create forms, track spending, utilize customized grant software and deliver funding to community groups. I might be doing any of the above on any given day.

What did you do before?

I have another part-time job in the arts not-for-profit sector and have had both jobs for 14 years, making up full-time work. Before working in grants at the City, I was working in the Culture Department (with my same job title, different duties though), and before that in the Production Department for the City's theatre venue as a production assistant (until that department and job title became defunct). Prior to working at the City, I worked in private education.

What are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

Adaptability and a willingness to take on new assignments. Though you may be hired for a specific skillset in my job description, you have to be prepared to pivot to other tasks and be flexible. Admins can move all around the corporation and need to be able to adapt to many new environments, software and tasks. I have assisted with research and proposals, support for public art, film permitting, training events, and community outreach support, plus a full gamut of admin tasks therein (from contracts to forms, tracking & requesting payments for suppliers). Of course, you should be adept at all of the MS office suite of programs and a background in bookkeeping fundamentals and project management doesn't hurt.

What's the best part of your job?

Marginal stress. The stress is carried by those in higher positions. Also, my particular job is industrious and has variety, which makes it interesting. There are deadlines, but the work is set by us to be manageable within those deadlines. The corporation is huge, but the department is small and that gives a sense of purpose and belonging.

What advice would you give to future public servants interested in a career in your field?

Decide what your priorities are and what works best for your work/life balance vs income level. My work/life balance is great, but my income is not. I do not often see people move up from this position, but it can happen.

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(Image Credit: Unsplash)