WHAT A VIEW! This is a great opportunity to work at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport.
The airport is hiring for an Administrative Assistant to provide essential administrative, financial, and customer service support, ensuring the smooth operation of the airport. This position plays a key role in advancing the airport’s mission as a regional hub for transportation, innovation, and economic development.
The Administrative Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the public, tenants, and visiting pilots, while also supporting the Airport Director and staff with financial tracking, recordkeeping, and operational coordination. The role requires a balance of day-to-day clerical expertise, strong customer service skills, and the ability to contribute to the airport’s long-term success.
The position is responsible for the following main tasks:
Financial and Administrative Support
- Prepares, processes, and tracks accounts receivable, invoices, payments, deposits, and petty cash.
- Supports tenant and lease management, including billing, collections, reconciliations, and issue resolution.
- Assists with annual budget preparation, audit preparation, and tracking of grants, revenues, and expenditures.
- Coordinates and prepares financial reports for FAA, WSDOT Aviation, and other agencies.
- Assists in preparing grant applications and compliance reporting.
Operational and Customer Service Support
- Maintains hangar and tie-down records, insurance compliance, and waiting lists.
- Assists with hangar inspections and maintains emergency contact databases.
- Supports fuel sales tracking, pricing updates, and state reporting requirements.
- Provides front-line customer service to pilots, passengers, tenants, and the public, including transportation arrangements and visitor assistance.
- Coordinates use of rental and courtesy cars, maintains pilot lounge, and ensures a welcoming experience for airport users.
Administrative Coordination
- Prepares correspondence, reports, public notices, and meeting minutes as directed.
- Schedules and coordinates meetings, manages records, and ensures compliance with records retention requirements.
- Responds to public inquiries in person, by phone, and by email in a professional and courteous manner.
- Implements office procedures that improve efficiency and align with public agency standards.
Compliance and Safety Support
- Assists with compliance on insurance, licensing, contracts, and grant requirements.
- Posts NOTAMs in coordination with the Airport Director during emergencies or operational changes.
- Completes and maintains certifications in areas such as public records, grants, and financial reporting.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED required; college-level coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field preferred.
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative or office management experience, including direct customer service.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess a valid Washington State Drivers License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
- Must successfully pass a background check and be bondable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and general office software.
- Strong organizational and financial management skills, including accuracy in data entry and reporting.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain composure under pressure.
- Ability to build positive relationships with tenants, pilots, agencies, and the public.
- Discretion in handling confidential information.
Desired Skills
- Knowledge of aviation operations or prior experience in an airport environment.
- Familiarity with the BARS accounting system.
- General interest in aviation and public service.
POSITION VISION
The Airport Administrative Assistant is more than a clerical role – it is a critical partner in advancing the airport’s vision for growth, innovation, and community connection. This position supports projects that strengthen the airport’s role as a multimodal transportation hub, a driver of economic development, and a welcoming gateway to the community.
BENEFITS
The City provides medical benefits at a very low premium with the choice of Kaiser or Regence Blue Shield. Delta dental and VSP vision are free for employees and their families. Basic life insurance benefit for employees and their families. Retirement pension plan with the option to invest in Deferred Compensation. The salary range for this position is $4,257 - $5,174 per month. The successful candidate will be placed at the step in the range that reflects their experience and skills. The position is non-represented and eligible for overtime.
HOW TO APPLY
The job posting closes at 5:00pm on Wednesday, October 15th. Please submit a current resume with the City's application form to Cindy Nakano, Human Resources and Risk Manager, by email to cnakano [at] ci.chehalis.wa.us (cnakano[at]ci[dot]chehalis[dot]wa[dot]us) or mail/drop off to City Hall 350 N. Market Blvd, Chehalis, WA 98532.
The City of Chehalis is an equal opportunity employer.