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3 Fermilab Administrative Assistant Jobs Hiring Near You

... administrative and staff support duties, escalating complex issues to the Lead. * Assist in ... Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: * Medical, Dental ...

DUNE Collaboration Coordinator

Batavia, IL · On-site

$34.24 - $41.76/hr

... administrative and staff support duties, escalating complex issues to the Lead. * Assist in ... Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: * Medical, Dental ...

Fermilab Jobs Information

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

To thrive as an Administrative Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, calendar management tools, and basic bookkeeping systems is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient office operations, supporting executives, and maintaining productivity in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges Administrative Assistants face when managing multiple priorities, and how are these typically addressed?

Administrative Assistants often juggle various tasks such as scheduling meetings, handling correspondence, and supporting multiple team members, which can lead to competing priorities. To manage this, they typically use organizational tools like calendars, task lists, and project management software to prioritize deadlines and ensure nothing is overlooked. Clear communication with supervisors about workload and expectations, as well as proactive time management, are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with team members also help in aligning priorities and addressing urgent needs as they arise.

What are administrative assistants?

Administrative assistants are professionals who provide support to an organization or individual by handling a variety of clerical and organizational tasks. Their duties often include managing schedules, organizing files, answering phones, preparing documents, and assisting with office communications. They play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of an office by coordinating activities and supporting other staff members. Administrative assistants may work in a wide range of industries, including business, healthcare, education, and government.

How much do admin assistants get paid?

Administrative assistants typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What is the difference between Administrative Assistant vs Receptionist?

AspectAdministrative AssistantReceptionist
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require post-secondary educationHigh school diploma typically sufficient
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, supporting multiple departmentsFront desk, greeting visitors, answering phones
Employer & Industry UsageCommon across various industries, supporting administrative functionsPrimarily in customer service and front office roles
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for administrative support rolesOften compared for front desk and customer service roles

While both roles support office operations, Administrative Assistants handle a broader range of administrative tasks, including scheduling and document management, whereas Receptionists primarily manage front desk duties like greeting visitors and answering calls.

What are the most popular categories at Fermilab?
Infographic showing various Administrative Assistant job openings at Fermilab in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Hybrid job distribution.
Sr. Administrative Assistant (3-year Term)

Sr. Administrative Assistant (3-year Term)

Fermilab

Lead, SD

$37.67 - $45.94/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$37.67-$45.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

What your day-to-day will look like:

  • Maintain and updates databases and tracking systems to support organizational activities. May maintain data across organizational charts, webpages, and/or operating systems used by the assigned organization (e.g., TRAIN, ESHTRK, MMS, Procard).
  • Compose, prepares, and edits routine and non-routine correspondence. Reviews incoming communications and determines appropriate routing and distribution.
  • Coordinate meetings, interviews, and departmental events, including scheduling logistics, preparing materials, recording notes, and distributing relevant information.
  • Support ad hoc laboratory initiatives, special projects, and program activities across the organization.
  • Prepare complex reports, presentation materials, and documentation. May transcribe or organize technical notes and information.
  • Research and evaluates departmental office equipment needs and recommends purchases. May order supplies, prepare work orders, and maintain associated records.
  • Serve as a resource on internal procedures, programs, and policies and may recommend updates or improvements to administrative processes.
  • Track employee time away and maintains status updates within the laboratory's electronic time reporting systems.
  • Prepare purchase requisitions and may serve as a gatekeeper for requisition approval processes.
  • Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including travel itineraries and reimbursement documentation.
  • May train or provide daily guidance to seasonal, temporary, or on-call employees.
  • Perform additional administrative duties as assigned.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated judgment and problem-solving skills when handling administrative processes and requests.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy when maintaining records, reports, and documentation.
  • Ability to work independently while supporting broader team objectives.
  • Applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
  • Extensive knowledge of administrative operational procedures and office support practices.
  • Ability to manage cross-functional communication and collaboration across departments.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and apply independent judgment in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other standard office technologies.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

High school diploma with 8+ years of administrative experience. Experience working with the DOE (Department of Energy) and/or a National Laboratory preferred.

Work Arrangement:

This position is based onsite at Fermilab and requires regular in-person support of organizational operations.

Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.