Secretary (Police Department)

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Secretary provides clerical and administrative support to the Police Department’s Administrative Division. This position performs a wide variety of office duties, including records management, public inquiries, document preparation, and departmental communications. Responsibilities also include assisting with social media and website content, processing permits, and supporting compliance with city and departmental procedures.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. The current vacancy is for a full-time position in the Police Department ; however, the Eligible List may be utilized to fill other vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year, unless the list expires sooner.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Perform a wide variety of clerical work including typing, proofreading, filing, checking and recording information on records.

Answer the telephone and wait on the general public, giving information and assistance as required.

Files and maintains a variety of records, forms, and correspondence in alphabetical, numerical, chronological or other predetermined classification.

May perform simple typing tasks or routine data entry tasks as assigned.

Maintains and updates departmental records systems, logs, reports, and files; enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.

Assists with the development and maintenance of the Department’s social media accounts and website, as well as releasing appropriate information to the media.

Processes and maintain records of all municipal code citations, with the City Prosecutor.

Process all applicant Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) Permits.

Operate a variety of office equipment such as photocopiers, word/data processors, adding machines, calculators, cash registers, shredders and field dispatch equipment.

Perform other related administrative duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High School graduate or equivalent. Education beyond high school may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible clerical experience involving a wide variety of complex clerical duties. Experience in a law enforcement or public agency environment is preferred but not required (including volunteer or explorer work). Experience with social media management and content creation is highly desirable.

Knowledge of: English usage, spelling, grammar, punctation, and arithmetic. Office practices, procedures, and equipment, including scanners and computers. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other software applications. Social media platforms and content management tools.

Ability to: Perform a variety of office support tasks accurately and efficiently. Operate standard office equipment. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Provide effective and professional customer service. Work cooperatively and courteously with others, including the public.

Bilingual in Spanish or Asian languages desirable.

Keyboarding/typing at an acceptable speed to effectively perform the essential duties of the position is required.

An applicant must attach to their online application verification of the ability to type at an acceptable speed at the time of application. The required typing speed is 30 net words per minute. Typing certifications can be obtained from local colleges or employment agencies for a fee. Click here for more information.

Please note that typing certificates obtained over the Internet are NOT acceptable.

**An applicant must attach a current and verifiable typing certification (dated within the past twenty-four (24) months. The required documentation must be uploaded and submitted with the on-line employment application. Applications received without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.

For consideration, applicants must attach a copy of the required documentation to their application. Failure to provide this required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License: A valid California Class C Driver’s License and acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching, bending, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work and operate general office equipment including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time. The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer.

Incumbent must be able to safely lift and carry books, files and reports weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to lift files and reports from counter tops or file drawers and withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from a computer.

Selection/Testing Process:

All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the employment application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.
Those applicants who most closely match the qualifications will be invited to participate in the testing/selection process which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to a conditional offer of employment, a candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check that includes employment reference checks, criminal history check, fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice, a credit review, and a polygraph. A job-related pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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