Entry Level Project Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Salary: $34.30 - $40.35 Hourly
Location : City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 202100774
Location: Parks & Community Services - Comm. Evt. Coord.
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Job Summary
Note: This is an On-Call position that is not eligible for benefits.
Being an on-call employee means that your work schedule is not guaranteed, hours worked could range from 0 - 40 hours a week, depending on office needs. All hours worked are subject to Department of Retirement Services and Affordable Care Act reporting requirements. More information will be shared during the interview, and we encourage questions about the program.
Job Summary
The program assistant supports and assists with programs, facilities, services, and events within Parks and Community Services (PCS) and serves as a primary customer service agent.
This assignment is for a seasonal, ongoing, non-benefited on-call program assistant, to support year-round community building events including Lunar New Year, Dia de Los Muertos, Outdoor Summer Movie Series, Celebrate Kirkland July 4th Parade, Harvest Festival, and many other events hosted by PCS, plus the LED screen rental program. This position is anticipated to begin in February and be ongoing with hours varying, usually 15- 40 hours per week depending on need and is not to exceed 1040 hours per year. Most work will be done Monday-Friday at Kirkland City Hall, with occasional weekend or evening shifts primarily for events. The on-call program assistant must be available to work July 4 and the days immediately preceding and following the holiday.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong work ethic, the capacity to prioritize tasks and work on a variety of projects with competing deadlines. Candidates should have the ability to be adaptable to new situations, ideas, and challenges and must be able to take initiative and work proactively. Must be self-motivated and work well as part of a supportive team.
This position will work closely with the Community Building Events team to help plan and carry out multiple events. Primary tasks include purchasing, vendor and parade entry support, volunteer recruitment and record keeping, marketing and outreach support, LED screen operation and other administrative functions.
The on-call program assistant is the primary contact for vendors, contractors, and volunteers to ensure logistical needs as well as contract terms and conditions are met.
The program assistant also serves as the on-site liaison for several events, facilitating the delivery and set-up of event equipment such as tables, chairs, pop-up canopies, marketing materials, audio-visual equipment and other supplies.
Job open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply before Wednesday, May 6.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level classification in the Parks and Community Services (PCS) program series. The incumbent follows routine procedures and guidelines in the application of prescribed duties and works under close supervision with work frequently reviewed by a superior. This classification is distinguished from the Program Coordinator in that the latter performs more complex technical duties and responsible program coordination requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.
Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides information and responds to inquiries. Staffs front office and provides customer service to participants, staff, and the general public.
• Performs registration procedures to include: enrolling in classes, accepting and receipting payments, maintaining wait lists, performing transfers, issuing class adjustments, program scholarships, compiling daily system totals and reconciliation for daily receipts of cash, check and credit card payments.
• Maintains and organizes supplies and equipment, purchases, and inventory materials, reconciles payments, p-card statements, contracts and billing.
• Responsible for facility rentals, including calculating and processing payments, deposits, refunds, scheduling and overseeing rental staff.
• Assists with data collection, reports, recordkeeping, expense, and revenue tracking, evaluating programs, new participant outreach, and quality assurance.
• Provides administrative support for Munis, TRIM, AdobeSign, Lucity, and similar programs including creating, entering, and processing contracts and agreements.
• Coordinates training and scheduling of staff, volunteers, and interns; provides emergency backup staffing as needed.
• Creates and maintains instructor contracts and enters into the City's record management software. Coordinates the processing of contracts.
• Assists with the organization and production of department events (i.e. Green Kirkland Program, community building events, etc.).
• Assists with publicizing and promoting programs, program brochure preparation, and maintaining City webpages.
• Inventories, purchases, maintains, and organizes program supplies and equipment.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to work effectively with the staff, volunteers, and the public, and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, in person and on the telephone.
• Computer skills, e.g. Microsoft Office, fax, copy machine, calculator, and multi-line telephone system.
• Knowledge of registration software preferred.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher software.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics and bookkeeping principles.
• Skilled in receiving and receipting payments.
• Knowledge of customer service practices.
• Experience working with volunteers and the public
• Flexibility; gets along with people of all ages and abilities, adapts to changing work assignments.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Graduate or G.E.D.
• Experience: 2 years of customer service. 1 year administrative support experience working in recreation, environmental, social, leisure, or education services. 6 months of experience working with volunteers, youth, or older adults.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Must possess or obtain CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months of hire.
• 2 years of cashiering or bookkeeping experience preferred.

Other
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed primarily in an office or community center setting and outdoors. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. At times work will be a combination of indoor office environment and outdoors in all types of weather conditions. May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Selection Process
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To be considered as a candidate for this position, you must submit with your application:

• Cover letter (letter of interest)
• Resume
• Responses to the supplemental questions

In your cover letter, please note how you meet the minimum qualifications.
Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or email. Job open until filled.
The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.
Benefits
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Final candidates for this position will be required to successfully complete a background check, consistent with applicable law.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Please describe your experience supporting special events such as parades, festivals, and fairs. In your response, explain your role and what you were responsible for. Include the outcome(s) and what you learned during the process.
02
Please describe your experience working with external partners such as vendors, contractors, or volunteers. Explain your role and areas of responsibilities, including any knowledge you have relating to contract administration, reviewing documents such as insurance policies for compliance, and communicating rules and regulations. What, if any, challenges did you encounter and what did you learn?
03
Describe your experience using audio-visual equipment such as LED/outdoor movie screens, PA systems, and setting up microphones and speakers. Include whether or not you have used and set up such equipment in your response. If not, describe your current knowledge, ability, and confidence to learn how to operate audio-visual equipment for the position of program assistant for events.
Required Question