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Temporary Program Assistant Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Certificate from a Dental Assisting Program * Valid health care provider CPR/BLS Certificate ... Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) when applicable To comply with Washington State's pay ...

... assist with student advising, admissions and records management, event coordination, and program ... This is a temporary position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not ...

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Temporary Program Assistant information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$23.1K

$49.1K

$67.7K

How much do temporary program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary program assistant in Tacoma, WA is $49,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,300.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary program assistant?

Temporary Program Assistants are individuals hired on a short-term basis to provide administrative and operational support for specific projects or programs within an organization. Their responsibilities often include organizing events, managing records, handling communications, and assisting with day-to-day program activities. These roles are ideal for those seeking flexible work arrangements or looking to gain experience in program management. Temporary Program Assistants are expected to be adaptable, detail-oriented, and able to quickly learn new tasks to support the efficient functioning of the program.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a temporary program assistant?

To thrive as a Temporary Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite and experience using scheduling or database systems are typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and time management are vital soft skills for managing shifting priorities and supporting team objectives. These skills ensure efficient program operations, reliable support to staff, and the smooth execution of daily administrative responsibilities.

What are common challenges faced by temporary program assistants, and how can they manage them?

Temporary Program Assistants often juggle multiple tasks and adapt quickly to new teams and systems. A common challenge is acclimating to varying workflows and expectations in a short timeframe. Effective strategies include proactively asking clarifying questions, keeping detailed notes, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Building rapport with team members early on can also streamline communication and help you integrate smoothly into the organization.

What is the difference between Temporary Program Assistant vs Program Coordinator?

AspectTemporary Program AssistantProgram Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require associate's degreeBachelor's degree in related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based settings within nonprofit, government, or educational organizationsFull-time, ongoing roles within similar organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for short-term support roles in programs and projectsUsed for managing and overseeing programs and initiatives
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched by those seeking temporary support roles in programsCompared when looking for roles with more responsibility and oversight

The Temporary Program Assistant typically provides short-term support with basic administrative and program-related tasks, while the Program Coordinator has a more ongoing role with greater responsibility for managing programs. Both roles are common in nonprofit, government, and educational sectors, but differ mainly in duration, scope, and level of responsibility.

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Temporary Program Assistant jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Temporary Program Assistant job openings:

$40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

WHAT IS Taxpayer Services?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • TS - Operation Support, Capital Management & Oversight

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
ALL GRADES TYPING PROFICIENCY: Applicants must be a qualified typist with a minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors). Applicants may meet these requirements by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for three years. We may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION FOR GS-05: You must have one year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04) in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance.
Examples of qualifying experience include:

  • Gathering and compiling available data and information for aspects of a program and reports findings to a higher-level employee;
  • Monitoring and reviewing established administrative procedures and program operations and assisting in the preparation of memoranda, reports and charts;
  • Using word processing, spreadsheet and database software to prepare documents and to enter, revise, manipulate, sort, calculate, store and retrieve data.
OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:
a bachelor's degree or four (4) years of education above high school in any field of study from an accredited college or university.
OR
You may qualify with an equivalent amount of combined education and experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-06: You must have one year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is directly related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance.
Specialized experience for this position must include:
  • Experience gathering and compiling available data and information for aspects of a program and reporting findings to higher level employees.
  • Monitoring and reviewing established operations and interrelationships with other functions regarding workflow, work redundancy, or systemic problems.
  • Verifying completeness and accuracy of controls to ensure compliance with established procedures.
  • Using word processing, spreadsheet and database software to prepare documents and to enter, revise, manipulate, sort, calculate, store, and retrieve data.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-07: You must have one year (12 months) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is directly related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance.
Specialized experience for this position must include:
  • Identifying problems and probable causes for solutions.
  • Researching and gathering pertinent statistics or information, reports findings to higher-level employees and may recommend corrective action for aspects of a program or function.
  • Revising procedures and controls.
  • Drafting memoranda, preliminary reports, and charts showing findings or recommendations.
  • Using word processing, database and spreadsheet software to prepare documents and to enter, revise, manipulate, sort, calculate, store and retrieve data.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03 or 04 positions.
  • TYPING AND OFFICE AUTOMATION (OA):
    • Typing: This position requires a qualified typist with a minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors).
    • Office Automation (OA): This position requires experience using office automation systems, software practices and procedures.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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