Office Administrator - Public Defender

Whatcom County Public Defender's Office is seeking to fill an Office Administrator position.

Would you enjoy the challenge of:

• Providing excellent administrative leadership to the Whatcom County’s Public Defender’s Office?
• Working successfully in a high-volume, fast-paced environment?
• Applying your first-rate attention to detail to consistently produce accurate work results?

If you answered yes to these questions, Whatcom County is interested in learning more about your qualifications and experience. The Office Administrator plans, organizes, and supervises the administrative and business operations of the Defender's office to ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery. The Administrator also coordinates administrative services, front line reception and phone services, financial operations, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, contracts, grants, records management, communications, business systems, and related operational functions while supervising assigned staff and providing strategic administrative support to department leadership.

The position serves as a member of the Public Defender's management team by implementing operational objectives, coordinating resources, resolving complex administrative issues, and recommending process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and stewardship of public resources.

Supervisor
:
Public Defender

Hours of Work
:
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM

For more information:

• Job Description
• Public Defender Info

Full Salary Ranges

• Office Administrator: $6,795 - $9,866 (2026)
• Unrepresented Range 8

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity and in a union-covered position, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Education and Experience:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Office Administration, Communications, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative, business operations, or office management experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory or advanced lead responsibility.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered. Experience may substitute for education, and education may substitute for experience when appropriate. Substitution does not apply where a specific degree, license, or certification is required by law, regulation, or professional standards.

Other job Requirements:

• Authorize and successfully complete a background check prior to employment.
• Complete review of all Cash Handling policies within one (1) week of employment.
• Must pass job-related tests.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in local government or public sector administration.
• Experience with budget coordination, grants, contracts, procurement, or financial administration.
• Experience supporting executive leadership or elected officials.
• Experience implementing administrative or business process improvements.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our…