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Public Service Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Assistant

CA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

... Food Service Manager and Food Service Coordinator, the Kitchen Assistant maintains a safe and ... Uphold Public Health Department rules and regulations as well as those of Pathfinder Ranch * Other ...

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Public Service Assistant information

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$7

$16

$24

How much do public service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for public service assistant in California is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public service assistant?

Public Service Assistants are professionals who provide support and assistance in various government or public sector organizations, such as libraries, community centers, and municipal offices. Their duties often include helping the public with inquiries, processing paperwork, maintaining records, and supporting the smooth operation of public services. They act as a bridge between the organization and the community, ensuring that services are accessible and efficiently delivered. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public service assistant?

To thrive as a Public Service Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or relevant administrative experience. Familiarity with office software, public records databases, and communication systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, and the ability to multitask help individuals stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently supporting public services and ensuring positive interactions with the community.

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

Public Service Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of public inquiries, managing diverse administrative tasks, and adapting to rapidly changing priorities. To manage these effectively, it's important to develop strong organizational and communication skills, remain patient and empathetic with the public, and work collaboratively with team members to share workloads and solutions. Proactively seeking feedback and ongoing training can also help Public Service Assistants stay adaptable and deliver excellent service.

What is the difference between Public Service Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectPublic Service AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in public administrationHigh school diploma or equivalent; often no specific certifications needed
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, public agencies, community centersCorporate offices, private companies, organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government and public sectorWidely used across various industries including business, healthcare, education
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in public sector supportCompared for general office support roles

The Public Service Assistant typically works in government or public sector environments, focusing on supporting public programs and services. An Administrative Assistant, on the other hand, works across various industries providing general office support. While both roles require organizational skills and may need similar credentials, their work settings and employer types differ significantly.

How to become a public service assistant?

To become a public service assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication and organizational skills. Some positions may require previous experience in customer service or administrative tasks, and familiarity with office software can be beneficial. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Service jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Public Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Public Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Service Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,763 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Research & Public Services Assistant (6759C) Library, #87420

Berkeley University of California

Berkeley, CA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan , which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride .
Departmental Overview
The Social Sciences Division (SSD) includes the Business, Environmental Design, and Social Research Libraries, as well as extensive collections in Doe. The SSD supports research and teaching in all social sciences at Berkeley, and includes collections and research support for Latin America, Africa, and the countries of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
Position Summary
The Research & Public Services Assistant provides in-person and virtual public service support within the library, including reference and research assistance through multiple service channels such as LibAnswers. This position contributes to the development of research guides and web resources that support student and faculty research needs. The Research & Public Services Assistant supports students, faculty, staff, and independent scholars by assisting with the development of research strategies and navigation of a wide range of research databases to meet diverse research needs. Additionally, this position collaborates with library colleagues to ensure effective public service operations and provides instructional support for student library employees at circulation and public service desks.
Responsibilities
Circulation - 45%
  • Monitors Circulation functions and supports student library employees as Social Sciences Library Service desks; conducts complex circulation functions and assists patrons with directional questions. Works with Student Supervisors to ensure student staff follow best practices and proper procedures for opening and fulfillinf circulation duties Assists patrons with informational questions, check outs, paging library materials, returns, and other circulation functions. Maintains in-person support for opening procedures at Social Science Division Libraries (Business, Environmental Design, and Social Research), rotating as needed to support varied staffing levels. Follows Library protocol for reporting and appropriately escalating safety and security issues in Social Science Libraries, under the direction of the Chief Operations Manager.
Reference - 45%
  • Provides advanced research support to patrons using the library's databases and resources in a variety of formats and Social Science disciplines. Provides online research guidance to UC Berkeley and public patrons via the LibAnswers chat and email platform. Triages social science research questions to connect patrons with subject experts. Under the direction of librarians, creates and maintains web-based resources to support research and instruction, and handles specialized reference queries.
SLF-N processing and support - 5%
  • Assists in pulling, processing and packing materials in the Social Sciences Division for storage.
Assists with the training and assessment of student employees - 5%
  • Under the direction of the Chief Operations Manager, this position will work with Student Supervisors to ensure student staff follow best practices and proper procedures for opening and closing procedures at the Business Library, and provide continuity of service at Business when students are not present.
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with academic library catalogs, databases, and research resources.
  • Experience with standard office software.
  • Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) and work in a team.
  • Ability to complete detailed work accurately.
  • Experience working in a library.
  • Advanced problem solving and decision-making ability.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience providing customer service.
Education / Training
  • Bachelors degree in a related subject and/or equivalent experience/training
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $30.55 9step 1.0) - $31.97 (step 3.0).
  • This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
  • This is an 10-month, part-time (20 hours/week), Limited [temporary] position that is eligible for UC benefits.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
  • This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) between the University of California and Teamsters Local 2010. The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/cx/index.html
Misconduct
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.