Office Specialist II - Kansas State University

Office Specialist II - in Hays, KS This position requires daily interaction with the research center head, assistant administrator, accountants, faculty members, weather observer, farm manager, and maintenance supervisor to exchange information regarding research center operations and clientele inquiries. The position includes the responsibility of interacting daily with faculty and staff in other KSU departments, branch centers, and area extension offices, the K-State Research and Extension business office, and the K-State Division of Human Resources. Occasional contact is made with worker’s compensation personnel in Topeka. Daily contact is made with the public, media (newspaper, radio, TV) representatives, and job applicants. Responsibilities include answering phone calls, making copies, sorting mail, preparing routine correspondence, scheduling meetings, and coordinating conferences for faculty. The position also involves scheduling auditorium events, maintaining schedules, managing supplies of letterhead and logo-printed materials, maintaining inventory records, and updating daily weather spreadsheets. Additionally, the role serves as the HR Liaison, managing all human resource paperwork related to the recruitment, hiring, and termination of staff, faculty, and students.

About This Role

This position provides essential administrative support to the head of the Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers and plays a key role in the efficient operation of the Agricultural Research Center at Hays. Responsibilities include answering phone calls, making copies, sorting mail, preparing routine correspondence, scheduling meetings, and coordinating conferences for faculty. The position also involves scheduling auditorium events, maintaining schedules, managing supplies of letterhead and logo-printed materials, maintaining inventory records, and updating daily weather spreadsheets. Additionally, the role serves as the HR Liaison, managing all human resource paperwork related to the recruitment, hiring, and termination of staff, faculty, and students.

About Us

As an integral part of Kansas State University, the first operational land-grant institution, the Western Kansas Research and Extension Center (WKREC) proudly carries forward a legacy of pioneering research and community engagement. Since our establishment in 1901, WKREC has been at the forefront of addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of western Kansas. From pioneering agricultural research to promoting health and wellness, enhancing financial literacy, supporting healthy aging, and fostering resilient communities, our programs span a diverse spectrum. Through our unwavering dedication and collaborative approach, we strive to empower individuals and industries across the region, driving positive change and enhancing quality of life for generations to come.

Worksite Option

This position is on-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires one year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma.
• Two years of experience in general office, clerical or administrative support work.
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English and project a positive public image.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and clientele.
• Working knowledge of office management principles, office reporting, record keeping, and budgeting and the ability to apply these principles to office operations.
• Ability to understand and organize tasks and projects based on complex instructions, both written and oral.
• Skills in operating computers to enter and manipulate data using menu- or command-driven software.
• Ability to prepare data tabulations and reports, make standard arithmetic computations, and maintain complete, accurate records of specific operations.
• Ability to extract, analyze and transmit complex technical information from various sources.
• Working familiarity with scientific terminology and jargon associated with agricultural research.
• BS degree in business or management.
• Five years experience of a progressively responsible nature in an administrative office (preferably research-related) environment.
• Proficiency with standard computer office software (word processing, spreadsheets, database management, publishing/presentation).

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Resume and three professional references.

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$14.54 - $18.00/hr