Administrative Assistant, Faribault County (Blue Earth, MN)

Bargaining unit consideration begins 7/10/2026 and closes 7/17/2026. This position is located in Blue Earth, MN.

Working Title: Administrative Assistant, Faribault County

Classification: Prin Ofc & Admin Specialist (job code 1826), AFSCME represented

Pay Range: $23.24 - $25.10/hour; depending on education, qualifications, experience

Appointment: Part-time, 30 hours a week (75% time)

Office location: Faribault County Extension Office (Blue Earth, MN)

Apply by: July 31, 2026

This position is part of a county Extension office staff team who are vital to Extension's outreach mission in connecting local needs with University of Minnesota resources. This position provides support to the local 4-H program and all Extension programs and activities. This position provides day-to-day operations, including customer service and administrative support for county Extension programs and activities. This position will report to the Regional Director, Southeast Region. The person in this position serves a vital role as the first point of contact for customers, visitors, and community members and performs general office duties as assigned.

This position is not remote and requires working in the office. Work is typically performed in an ordinary office environment and often involves working at the front desk, where they greet and assist visitors. As a result, there may be frequent interruptions during the workday. Physical activity is required and intermittent, such as walking through the facility or carrying files or materials. Driving on short errands or intermittently to meetings. Work may be performed at alternate sites, including public event spaces and county fairgrounds, to support events.

The work schedule will be set with the supervisor upon hire; work hours are between the regular office hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Occasional attendance of evening meetings may be required. Additional hours are required during county fair season, including evenings and weekends.

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned

• Assists Extension staff in planning and developing resources and events:
  • Provides logistical support (meeting rooms, catering, registration)
  • Supports evaluation efforts
• Assists in communicating Extension programs through website updates, social media, listservs, newsletters, and print and radio media
• Helps to ensure Extension is adhering to applicable county and University policies
• Provides direct support to the county Master Gardener program, as requested
• Provides direct and back-up support for the county 4-H program:
  • Supports 4-H program volunteers and members with enrollment, event registration, and promotion materials
  • Maintains 4-H databases and generates reports, including the county fair 4-H database
  • Maintains 4-H finances utilizing QuickBooks, including reconciliation of accounts, coding of transactions, and processing incoming and outgoing transactions
  • Provides clerical, logistical, and technical support for 4-H programming
  • Assists with showcase events, including:
    • Updating and publishing 4-H premium book
    • Assists with the Animal ID process
    • Provides information and coordination support at the county fair
    • Assists with enlisting and preparing materials for county fair judges
    • Orders and organizes supplies for events and programs
    • Provides support for auctions, award ceremonies, and other special events

• Operates and maintains general office equipment; consults with IT as appropriate

• Orders, maintains, and manages office supplies and publications for the department

• Processes office mail

• Processes county claims and invoices

• Maintains schedule for office meeting rooms

• Participates in training, professional staff development, and conferences

• Point of contact for the county Extension office; receives, greets, and responds to requests; provides resources and referrals to questions and distributes requests/messages to correct parties

• Provides clerical and technical office support for all Extension programs and staff

• Assists with creating and modifying electronic documents, brochures, program fliers, posters, reports and correspondence. Prints, scans and files materials.

• Provides support to the county Extension committee

• Maintains confidentiality.

• High school diploma/GED and two years related clerical, office or administrative experience OR equivalent combination of relevant office work experience AND related education in administrative support course work/office setting to total two years

• Strong customer service experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient with email, calendaring, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software

• Proficient with standard office equipment

• Proficient with general bookkeeping

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle with required insurance, as some travel will be required, including driving regularly on short errands or intermittently to meetings

  • Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy

• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, and carry up to 50 pounds to different areas of the facility

• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office

• Ability to work extra hours during county fair season, to include evenings and weekends

• Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions

• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, able to prioritize work, manage workflow with unexpected interruptions, and meet deadlines

• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

• Demonstrate troubleshooting, problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Ability to work independently

• Experience with QuickBooks or other financial management software

• Experience with websites and social media

• Knowledge and understanding of financial policies and procedures

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $23.24 - $25.10/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment (30 hours/week)

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.