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Optical Assistant Jobs in Hermiston, OR (NOW HIRING)

Whitman College

Archives Assistant

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$22.18 - $24.79/hr

POSITION PURPOSE The Archives Assistant manages and supervises the Archives Reading Room, providing services to archives patrons which includes Whitman College students, faculty, staff, and alumni ...

US Department of Commerce

Meteorologist

Pendleton, OR · On-site +1

$40K/yr

... optics, or computer science. Calculus coursework appropriate for a physical science major is ... Using current hydro-meteorological data to monitor conditions and assist with forecast preparation ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Hermiston, OR

Optical Assistant information

See Hermiston, OR salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Hermiston, OR is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical assistant?

An optical assistant is a vision care customer’s first point of contact, as you work in the retail or sales departments or optometrist’s offices. In this career, you are responsible for greeting patients and helping them select the right eyewear as well as repairing and making adjustments to the eyewear. Assistants perform duties such as fitting eyeglasses or contacts under supervision, measuring an eye or bridge of the nose, scheduling appointments, gathering important patient information, and maintaining medical files. Customer service is an important part of the job.

What does an optical assistant do?

As an Optical Assistant, your daily responsibilities include greeting patients, assisting with frame selection, taking basic eye measurements, and handling administrative duties such as booking appointments and managing patient records. You’ll work closely with optometrists, opticians, and other support staff to ensure smooth patient flow and excellent customer service. Collaboration is key, as Optical Assistants often communicate patient needs to clinical staff and help coordinate care. This role offers valuable exposure to both clinical and retail aspects of optometry, making it a great starting point for career growth within the industry.

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

To thrive as an Optical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic optometry, customer service, and retail sales, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with dispensing optical instruments, using lens measuring devices, and practice management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with both customers and team members distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate prescription fulfillment, excellent customer experiences, and smooth optical practice operations.

What is the difference between Optical Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssistantOptical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, optical assistant certificationCertification or diploma in optical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, clinicsLaboratories, manufacturing, or repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOptical retail chains, optometristsOptical labs, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, assisting with frame selectionLens fitting, equipment operation, technical repairs

Optical Assistants primarily focus on customer service, frame selection, and assisting optometrists, often working directly with patients. Optical Technicians handle more technical tasks like lens fitting, equipment operation, and repairs. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in technical complexity and responsibilities.

Do you need a qualification to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having relevant training or certifications in optical care or customer service can be beneficial. Employers may also provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills for working with optical equipment and assisting customers.

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The role often involves customer service, lens fitting, and using optical equipment.
More about Optical Assistant jobs

What cities near Hermiston, OR are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Hermiston, OR with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Hermiston, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,178 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Archives Assistant

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA • On-site

$22.18 - $24.79/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).


POSITION PURPOSE

The Archives Assistant manages and supervises the Archives Reading Room, providing services to archives patrons which includes Whitman College students, faculty, staff, and alumni, community members and visiting scholars. The position serves as support to the Whitman College and Northwest Archives and assists with all aspects of archives administration, including reference, digitization, instruction, arrangement and description, and preservation of materials in all formats. This is a part-time position working 1040 annual hours (0.5 FTE). This position is funded until June 30, 2029, at which time the position will be reevaluated, and/or eliminated.


PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Reference, Research, and Instruction Support (70%)

  • Conduct reference interviews in person, by phone, post, and email providing patrons access to relevant manuscript, archival, print, and electronic resources. Refer questions to other archives or library staff as appropriate.
  • Supervise the Reading Room, providing assistance to archives patrons and ensuring security of materials.
  • Manage the main archives email, online booking software, and researcher appointments calendar.
  • Maintain patron usage statistics and metrics.
  • Page and re-shelve archival materials and rare books including assisting with logistics for class sessions and events
  • Oversee the daily operations of the archives when Collections Archivist and College Archivist and Head of Special Collections are absent.

Digitization and Collection Cataloging (20%)

  • Complete digitization project requests and upload materials with appropriate metadata into various access platforms
  • Handle correspondence and billing for document and image reproduction services and use permissions.
  • Assist with arrangement and description of manuscript, archival, artifact or digital as directed by the College Archivist and Head of Special Collections.
  • Receive and maintain newspaper and periodical collections housed in the archives, collaborating with Technical Services staff as needed.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

  • Contribute to additional projects that align with institutional needs, including related to Maxey Museum records management, that will end as the position ends.


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and collaborate with diverse individuals, teams and groups.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality is vital to this position.
  • Possess specific computer skills, including standard office applications including Microsoft Suite and Google Drive; have the ability to learn specialized software systems including ArchivesSpace and Adobe Products.
  • Possess project management skills including the ability to determine and follow an efficient, sequential workflow and meet necessary deadlines, prioritizing projects as needed.
  • Possesses knowledge relating to conducting academic research including understanding how to conduct research without the aid of generative or other Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Ability to stay on task in an environment where there are frequent interruptions to routine assignments and special projects.
  • Flexibility to handle unforeseen problems and circumstances; ability to exercise independent judgment within specific guidelines and standards and seek assistance from supervisor when clarification is needed.
  • Actively and positively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
  • Ability to page and retrieve boxes weighing up to 30 lbs using the aid of ladders and carts to move boxes from storage shelves to the Reading Room.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.


PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of archival practices and archival research.
  • Knowledge of, or interest in, the history of Whitman College, the Walla Walla Valley, or the Pacific Northwest.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Experience conducting research within academic libraries.
  • OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.


Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working in libraries, archives, or museums.


Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Work environment is primarily inside the Whitman College Archives, which may include working in elevated or confined areas. The Archives Assistant may be exposed to dust, pollen, and other related contaminants generated by manuscript or archival material. Moving materials weighing up to 30 pounds occurs with varied frequency.


BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Part-time employees enjoy the following benefits:


Medical/VisionInsurances

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Planwith a matching contribution aftereligibility requirementsare met.

Paid Time Off: vacation and sick leave based on hours worked

Tuition Remission - Dependent Children

Employeetuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibilityhere.


DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.


APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


START DATE

August 2026

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