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Program Support Assistant Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Shift Lead - 0679

Arroyo Grande, CA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $22/hr

Coach, support, and motivate crew members to perform at their best * Help train new team members ... Real growth opportunities--many leaders move into Assistant and General Manager roles * Fast-paced ...

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Showing results 1-20

Program Support Assistant information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$27.2K

$46.5K

$58.4K

How much do program support assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support assistant in Santa Maria, CA is $46,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $50,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program support assistant?

A program support assistant works in a specialized unit of an organization or academic institution and performs a variety of administrative tasks. Your duties as a program support assistant vary depending on your employer but may involve budgeting, purchasing materials, managing files and records, and assisting visitors. You must also understand departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures. Typical qualifications for a program support assistant include at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and relevant work experience. You must also have excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills, along with computer proficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program support assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Support Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, data entry systems, and scheduling tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies ensure efficient program operations, effective support for teams, and smooth coordination of administrative tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by program support assistants in managing multiple tasks and priorities?

Program Support Assistants often juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from scheduling meetings and maintaining records to coordinating communication between departments. One common challenge is managing competing priorities and tight deadlines, especially when supporting multiple team members or projects simultaneously. Staying organized, proactively communicating about workload, and using digital tools for task management can help address these challenges. Additionally, flexibility and adaptability are important, as priorities may shift quickly based on organizational needs.

What is the difference between Program Support Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectProgram Support AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationHigh school diploma; often similar educational requirements
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCorporate offices, government agencies, various industries
Job ResponsibilitiesSupporting program operations, coordinating activities, assisting with reportsManaging schedules, handling correspondence, organizing files
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public sector and non-profit organizationsWidespread across industries including private and public sectors

The Program Support Assistant and Administrative Assistant roles share similarities in educational requirements and work environments. However, Program Support Assistants focus more on supporting specific programs and coordinating activities within organizations, especially in government and non-profit sectors. Administrative Assistants typically handle general office tasks across various industries. Both roles are essential for organizational operations but differ in scope and focus.

What job categories do people searching Program Support Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Support Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Program Support Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Program Support Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Support Assistant job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,466 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

SNAP (Student Neighborhood Assistance Program)

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

City of San Luis Obispo
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$21.50 - $26.19/hr

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION This is a continuous recruitment. The posting may close at any time without prior notice, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. The position will remain open until filled.

JOB SUMMARY: This is a part time, temporary position, with no benefits. This position is year-round. Individuals hired will be required to adhere to department grooming standards.

Work Schedule: Monday through Saturday from 7:30 p.m. - 2:30: a.m. Employees will generally work 3 shifts per week

Shifts rotate week to week. Employees work in teams of two (2). One staff meeting per month.

This position is opened until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. SUPERVISION SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: City of San Luis Obispo Police Department EXAMPLES OF DUTIES EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responds to and investigates noise complaints in the residential neighborhoods Issue formal warnings for violations of SLMC 9.12.050 Patrols residential parking districts during evening hours and issues citations for violations including but not limited to no residential permit, fire lanes, fire hydrants, blocking driveways/sidewalks, prohibited parking zones, disabled parking stalls, 2-hour zones and blocking bus stops

Maintains statistical data Completes data entry and clerical support related to noise and parking enforcement Completes tow tags for report abandoned vehicles Completes graffiti abatement as assigned by supervisor Assists with traffic control as directed by the Motor Sergeant Provides general assistance to the public Reports abandoned furniture in the public right-of-way for solid waste removal Reports suspicious activity when observed including but not limited to suspected DUI and suspected PC 647(f) Assists with training new personnel Ability to: Work nights and weekends Learn City laws, rules and procedures related to SLMC 9.12 noise abatement and city and state parking regulations Learn the proper and regulated use of mobile data computers, parking enforcement handheld ticket machine and printer Learn police department codes for communication and properly and effectively use police radios Maintain strict confidentiality with police department information Learn the geography of the City Safely operate City vehicles Maintain accurate records and reports Understand and follow oral and written instructions in an independent manner Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms Tactfully and courteously interact with the public Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS Typical Qualifications High School diploma or equivalency. Must be enrolled at either California Polytechnic State University, Cuesta College, Hancock College or an accredited online university and be carrying a class load of nine or more units Must have an overall GPA of 2.0 at the time of application Must be at least 18 years of age Must be free of misdemeanor or felony convictions. Misdemeanor citations may be excepted on a case-by-case basis POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF: A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE: Police Background Investigation Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI) Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language.

Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City. La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusion y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusion, y donde todos puedan prosperar.

Nuestro sitio de publicacion de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en ingles, ya que el ingles es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad. For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org

Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuniquese con recruitment@slocity.org.