Principal Administrative Specialist

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

Metro Transit's Capital Programs Department is responsible for the development and construction of Metro Transit's BRT and Light Rail.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

Metro Transit is seeking to fill a Principal Administrative Specialist to support the Metro Transit Capital Programs. This position is a high-level administrative, non-supervisory role that will join a group of Administrative staff to support the Capital Projects department.

• Perform administrative support which regularly requires interpretation, creating memos, documents, and generating spreadsheets for tracking certain statistical information
• Manage multiple calendars
• Provide meeting support by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and transcribing meeting minutes
• Manage project email account and social media posting and tracking
• Operate personal computerized information systems using computer software applications
• Enter data in computer from various reports or sources
• Prioritize paperwork that needs to be maintained and routes paperwork to other divisions or departments
• Follow precedents and clear procedures based on past practices within a program
• Administer/support the functions of a department through independent coordination
• Tour/event response management
• Arrange and direct services such as maintenance repair, supplies, mail, and files
• Maintain extensive knowledge of department procedures
• Deliver exceptional customer service to staff, managers, directors, and various project partners and municipal agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in Business Administration, Office Administration, or similar) and work experience (in office administration or customer service):

• High school diploma or equivalent AND at least four (4) years of work experience
• Associate's degree or higher and at least two (2) years of work experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Administrative experience working with policy and technical committees
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Detail oriented, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Experience with meeting support, especially transcribing meeting minutes
• Experience with social media
• Experience with mail merge
• Experience maintaining confidential information

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of transportation language
• Skilled in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint
• Skilled in typing and transcribing meeting minutes
• Ability to perform data entry with efficiency and accuracy
• Ability to perform basic math calculations accurately
• Ability to verbally communicate information clearly and concisely
• Ability to effectively organize tasks and establish work priorities
• Ability to review data for details and accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: Non Represented/Grade D
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary worksite to other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

You must qualify at each of the numbered steps below to be considered a final candidate for the job.

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We request a work record evaluation (ATU employees only).
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.