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$12

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$35

How much do operations assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations assistant in Santa Cruz, CA is $22.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations assistant?

An operations assistant takes care of a variety of administrative and clerical responsibilities for an organization. Their purpose is to help ensure the business runs smoothly by resolving customer complaints, training employees, and assisting management. As an operations assistant, you can work in a wide variety of industries, and your specific duties vary depending upon the job field. This career requires industry-specific work experience, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Some medical employers require additional qualifications, such as an associate degree in a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as an Operations Assistant, you typically need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of business administration, often supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and basic database systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient support for daily operations, smooth workflow, and effective coordination across teams.

What are some common challenges operations assistants face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Operations Assistants often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as coordinating schedules, processing documentation, and supporting various departments. One common challenge is managing shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail. To succeed, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, use digital tools to track tasks, and communicate proactively with team members. Regular check-ins with supervisors and colleagues can also help ensure alignment and prevent bottlenecks.

What is the difference between Operations Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectOperations AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer certifications in office managementHigh school diploma; often requires proficiency in office software
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, warehouses, or production facilitiesOffice settings, reception areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, retail, corporateCorporate, government, nonprofit, small businesses
Common Search & ComparisonOperations Assistant vs Administrative Assistant

The main difference is that Operations Assistants focus on supporting daily operational functions, logistics, and process improvements, often in more technical or production environments. Administrative Assistants primarily handle clerical tasks, scheduling, and office management. Both roles require organizational skills and basic office credentials, but Operations Assistants tend to work more closely with operational teams and processes.

Is operations assistant a high paying job?

The operations assistant role typically offers a moderate salary that varies by industry, location, and experience level. It is generally considered an entry- to mid-level position, with higher pay potential for those with specialized skills or certifications in areas like logistics or project management.

What does an operations assistant get paid?

The average salary for an operations assistant typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in specialized fields can earn higher wages. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
More about Operations Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

The most popular types of Operations jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Assistant jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Operations Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Operations Assistant job openings:

Operations Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Assistant job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,597 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

SRAC Operations Assistant

SJSU Student Union

San Jose, CA

$18.50 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
The Student Union, Inc. is 501(c)(3) nonprofit auxiliary that maintains three major facilities at San Jose State University in downtown San Jose, California. These facilities include the Diaz Compean Student Union Building, the Provident Credit Union Event Center (PCUEC), and the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus, and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a student majority, faculty, and administrators.
Mission
The Student Union, Inc. of San Jose State University supports the development, growth, and well-being of students and the campus community by providing diverse programs, desired services, and quality facilities to enhance the collegiate experience.
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the SRAC Operations Manager. The Building Assistant, SRAC assists with the overall daily operation of the Spartan Recreation & Aquatic Center (SRAC). This includes recreation programs, assist members with general use of the building and policies, opening and closing the facility, and working at the equipment check out desk.
Essential Functions and Tasks
  • Enforce and interpret all SRAC policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for knowing day-to-day operations and daily building schedule.
  • Assist with room and court set up, breakdown, and event preparation and clean-up. 
  • Conduct hourly room and facility counts.
  • Assist patrons with locker lockouts.
  • Conduct hourly task such as re-racking weights, cleaning gym equipment, and refilling gym wipes
  • Assist with hourly walkthroughs of SRAC.
  • Assist with inventory counts for SRAC Operations
  • Assists with patron safety to prevent and respond to emergencies.
  • Maintain a clean and organized environment within the facility.
  • Communicates with SRAC Professional Staff about equipment issues and custodial needs.
  • Assist patrons at the equipment desk, with checking out equipment.
  • Assist night manager with equipment check out inventory
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification, American Red Cross preferred. Online certifications will not be accepted.
  • Must be a matriculated SJSU student and continuously enrolled at least half-time* during the academic term.
    • *Half-time is defined as follows: Enrollment Status Half-time Units Undergraduate and Post baccalaureate Students 6.0-8.0 hours/semester
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Basic knowledge of SRAC fitness equipment location and the equipment function.
  • Excellent customer service, ability to manage conflicts, and create an inclusive environment.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Interpret and implement proper policies and procedures for all emergency situations.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and attitude. 
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with a diverse community clientele.
  • Able to lift 45 pounds safely and stand for an extended period of time.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • The position works in an indoor, recreation facility program-oriented environment. 
    • The physical demands of this position are described below:
      • Sitting, walking, twisting, bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, squatting, crawling, kneeling, balancing, reaching, and coordination (eye, hand, foot).
      • Fall (Slip, Trip) Conditions that result in falls (impacts) from height or traditional walking and playing surfaces.
      • Lifting and Carrying, often 10-25lbs, frequently 26-50lbs, occasionally 50-75 lbs.
      • Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
      • Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • In general, the position works a schedule based on business needs 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, occasionally works evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
    • When school is in session - may work up to, but not in excess of 20 hours per week (among all concurrent positions).
    • When classes are not in session (i.e. summer break) may work up to, but not in excess of 40 hours per week.
  • This position is non-exempt from the provisions of Section 1 of the California Industrial Welfare Commission Orders.
Benefits
This position is employed through the Student Union at San Jose State University which offers employees to receive 40 hours of sick pay during the calendar year.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
The Student Union of San Jose State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. The Student Union and SJSU have a firm and unambiguous commitment to the active elimination of discrimination, and the affirmative recruitment of a diverse, multi-racial community of students, faculty and staff.
Background Check and Fingerprinting
Student Union employees are required to undergo and complete a successful background check that includes verification of employment and education, as well as a check of criminal records for employment. Candidates for positions where the employee will come in regular contact with minors and cash management will be required to be fingerprinted. This policy includes emergency hires and may also be applicable to volunteers depending on the work performed. In some cases, the background check will include a credit check and/or a Department of Motor Vehicles check, as well as a check of licenses and certificates when applicable. All background checks are conducted through the Student Union third-party vendor, Accurate Background.
California State University (CSU) Learning and Development
Within the first month, all employees are required to complete the following compliance online training session through CSU Learn, the University's employee training platform. Employees will be enrolled in the training soon after their appointment is processed and will be notified via email from CSULearning@sjsu.edu
  1. CSU - Injury and Illness Prevention Program
  2. CSU - Preventing Discrimination and Harassment for Non-Supervisors
  3. CSU - Sexual Misconduct Prevention Program (Title IX) - required within the first 6 months of hire
  4. Data Security and FERPA
California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
All Student Union at San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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