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Permanent Secretary Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Permanent Secretary information

See Utah salary details

$22.3K

$41.8K

$57.4K

How much do permanent secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for permanent secretary in Utah is $41,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,100.00 and $47,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Permanent Secretary?

A Permanent Secretary is the most senior civil servant in a government department or ministry, responsible for overseeing its day-to-day operations and providing non-political, expert advice to government ministers. They play a crucial role in implementing government policies, managing departmental staff, and ensuring the effective use of public resources. Unlike ministers, Permanent Secretaries are career officials, not political appointees, and their primary duty is to maintain continuity and stability within the civil service.

How does a Permanent Secretary typically interact with government ministers and departmental staff?

A Permanent Secretary acts as the most senior civil servant within a government department, serving as the principal adviser to ministers while also overseeing the department's day-to-day operations. This role requires balancing the strategic direction set by elected ministers with the practical implementation managed by departmental staff. Permanent Secretaries frequently facilitate communication between political leaders and civil service teams, ensuring that policy objectives are translated into effective, actionable plans. Collaboration, diplomacy, and clear communication are essential, as the role often involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and navigating sensitive issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Permanent Secretary, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permanent Secretary, you need deep expertise in public administration, policy development, and organizational leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in public policy or a related field. Familiarity with government budgeting systems, performance management frameworks, and digital governance tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, political acumen, and strategic thinking are vital soft skills for influencing stakeholders and leading large teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective policy implementation, transparent governance, and the efficient functioning of public sector organizations.

What is the difference between Permanent Secretary vs Civil Service Officer?

AspectPermanent SecretaryCivil Service Officer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in government or public administrationVaries; often requires a degree in public administration, political science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentHigh-level government offices, policy development, strategic planningVarious government departments, supporting policy implementation and administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment ministries, public sector organizationsPublic sector, government agencies, civil service departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior government roles, leadership positionsEntry to mid-level civil service roles, career progression

In summary, a Permanent Secretary is a senior government official responsible for overseeing entire ministries, often requiring extensive experience and advanced credentials. A Civil Service Officer typically holds a supporting role within government departments, with responsibilities varying based on experience and department level. Both roles are integral to public administration but differ significantly in seniority and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Secretary jobs in Utah?

The most popular types of Secretary jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Permanent Secretary jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Permanent Secretary job openings:

Secretary III (Part-Time)

Salt Lake Community College

Taylorsville, UT • On-site

$17.59 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Salt Lake Community College rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $17.59 - $19.25 Hourly
Location : Taylorsville Campus, UT
Job Type: Part-Time Staff
Job Number: 202501034
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Purchasing
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
All employees are expected to maintain a permanent residence within the State of Utah as a condition of employment. New employees must provide a valid Utah residential address within 30 days of their start date.
Job Summary
The Secretary III provides administrative and customer service support for the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Department. Serving as the department's primary front desk contact, this position assists college employees, vendors, and members of the public by providing information, responding to inquiries, and directing requests to appropriate staff. The Secretary III performs a variety of administrative, clerical, and records management duties to support efficient office operations and assists departmental staff with accounts payable and vendor administration activities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities & Knowledge Skills & Abilities
Customer Service and Front Desk Operations
  • Serve as the first point of contact for visitors, vendors, and college employees.
  • Answer, screen, and route incoming telephone calls.
  • Respond to email inquiries and provide general information regarding Purchasing and Accounts Payable services and procedures.
  • Assist customers in resolving routine issues and direct inquiries to appropriate staff members.
  • Receive and distribute departmental mail and deliveries.
Administrative and Secretarial Support
  • Prepare correspondence, reports, forms, and other departmental documents.
  • Schedule meetings and maintain calendars as assigned.
  • Maintain office records, files, and reference materials.
  • Assist with special projects and administrative assignments.
  • Perform data entry and routine clerical duties.
Vendor File Administration
  • Assist with maintaining vendor records and supporting documentation.
  • Update vendor information as directed.
  • Organize and maintain vendor files in accordance with department procedures.
  • Assist departmental staff with vendor onboarding documentation and record keeping.
Accounts Payable Support
  • Assist with reviewing invoice matching exceptions.
  • Research discrepancies and communicate with departments regarding receiving documentation.
  • Support Accounts Payable staff in resolving routine invoice processing issues.
Other Duties as Assigned
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and record keeping abilities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to learn new software systems and processes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people with a variety
    of abilities and backgrounds, to maintain good working relationships across
    the College.
  • Ability to work with all groups from a variety of academic, socioeconomic,
    cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and with community college students,
    faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities.

Minimum qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • One (1) to three (3) years of clerical, administrative support, customer service, or related office experience.
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a college, university, or public-sector environment.
  • Experience providing front desk or receptionist services.
  • Experience maintaining electronic and paper records.
  • Familiarity with Banner Finance, Jaggaer, or similar business systems.

SLCC Information
Salt Lake Community College is Utah's largest open-access college in the state. We proudly educate 45,000+ students pursuing degrees in 100+ programs across 8 areas of study, and Utah's fastest growing industries and four-year baccalaureate programs consistently welcome SLCC graduates. Every SLCC employee has a hand in transforming students' lives to strengthen its surrounding communities. SLCC employees work at 8 locations across the valley and capital city of Salt Lake with easy access to the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, world-class outdoor recreation, sporting events, museums, history, and arts and entertainment.
Salt Lake Community College seeks and values contributions from each community member and welcomes new perspectives. A respectful work environment is its top priority; academic excellence and lasting transformation occurs when we can collaborate freely. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, SLCC leads the state with the highest enrollment of students from the Latinx/a/o community. SLCC is committed to serving students and being a model for inclusive and transformative education.
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is fully committed to policies of equal employment and nondiscrimination. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, religion, protected veteran status, expression of political or personal beliefs outside of the workplace, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
SLCC is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). In addition to URS, SLCC offers several other retirement account options.
This position is subject to a successful completion of a criminal background check.
  • More information about Salt Lake Community College benefits:

  • Find our Total Compensation Estimator here:

01
Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have one (1) to three (3) years of clerical, administrative support, customer service, or related office experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered?
  • Yes
  • No

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