The Polk County Board of Commissioners has added a new position to serve as an administrative/accounting office assistant in the county manager’s office.

Commissioners met Aug. 24 and approved the new position by a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Ray Gasperson said he had concerns about adding another position at this time.

“I would have preferred to have waited until the next budget,” said Gasperson.

County manager Marche Pittman said the new position is part of the county’s redistricting of offices within the building.

The county plans to move the finance office downstairs, to be located in the former tax assessor’s office. The clerk’s office has been temporarily moved to the former tax office with plans to move the clerk upstairs after the finance office is moved.

The new position has been advertised amongst county employees with plans to advertise the position to the public later.

The new administrative/accounting office assistant will serve as an administrative assistant for the county manager’s office as well as accounting duties for the finance office.

The salary range of the new position is $24,093-$36,140. The position will be full-time at 37.5 hours per week, including benefits.

“Performs a variety of routine to complex clerical duties in the administrative and finance offices, providing support to both areas as needed,” states the job description. “Work requires considerable initiative, judgment and discretion in dealing with the daily demands on the offices being supported; thorough knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, utilization of equipment and administrative techniques.”

Duties will include answering phones, greeting the public, clerical support to the administrative and finance offices, including human resources. The county just added a human resource officer this year, who also works in the county manager’s office.

The new position will also be required to maintain department filing systems, maintain personnel and payroll data, collect data for records and reports and prepare data used for employee time keeping; serve as back-up for payroll processing, collect, sort and distribute mail, maintain office equipment, order all office supplies, handle monthly birthday procedures and assist on special projects, among other duties.

A high school diploma, a minimum of two years secretarial, accounting and/or clerical experience involving public contact or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.