STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Secretary 1

Recruitment #230228-6976CL-002

Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture (DOAG), Resource Preservation Unit is currently accepting applications for one (1) Secretary 1 position. The Resource Preservation Unit ensures that farmland remains available for agricultural use in perpetuity through the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) and the Community Farms Preservation Program. As of January 2023, the programs have preserved and steward more than 48,000 acres on 408 farms. The long-term goal is preserving 130,000 acres, more than 30% of all agricultural land in the state. The Unit is also currently involved with the Connecticut Farmlink Program and the Farmland Restoration grant program.   

What We Can Offer You:
  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
  • Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
  • A healthy work-life balance to all employees!
The Role:
In the Department of Agriculture, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of secretarial support functions requiring an understanding of organizational policies and procedures. The Secretary will be responsible for providing clerical support to the Resource Preservation Unit staff and their operations. Discover the opportunity to:
  • Provide clerical support to the Resource Prevention Unit staff, and their operations
  • Work in a fast-paced environment supporting vital programs which protect farmland forever and support our local farm businesses
  • Perform related clerical duties as required
Position Highlights:
  • Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • Monday through Friday 
  • 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Hybrid position (telework and in office)
  • Location: 450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 703, Hartford, CT
About Us:
The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to foster a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state’s citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage and its contribution to the state’s economy.

Selection Plan

To Apply:

  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on this job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • Please select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Important Information After You Apply:

  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact 
Sharon McIntosh, at Sharon.McIntosh@ct.gov.

Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing a full range of secretarial support functions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs a variety of secretarial duties as described in the following areas:

  • TYPING:
    • Using computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment, formats and types a full range of correspondence, reports, bills, drafts, etc. from rough draft, transcription, dictated notes, etc.;
    • Proofreads for content;
    • Edits using knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • FILING:
    • Designs office filing systems;
    • Organizes and maintains files (including confidential files);
    • Maintains, updates and reviews reference materials and manuals.
  • CORRESPONDENCE:
    • Composes routine letters/memoranda, etc. (e.g., standard replies and acknowledgement letters) for supervisor's signature.
  • REPORT WRITING:
    • Compiles information from standard sources and prepares data reports (e.g., number of forms processed during the month).
  • INTERPERSONAL:
    • Greets and directs visitors;
    • Answers phones and takes messages;
    • Answers questions requiring knowledge of terminology, organization, supervisor's responsibilities, etc. (e.g., appropriate referrals, general purpose of the unit).
  • PROCESSING:
    • Scans correspondence;
    • Pulls and attaches related materials;
    • Reviews, routes and prioritizes mail.
  • SECRETARY:
    • Arranges and coordinates meetings (including space and equipment);
    • Writes minutes of meetings, lectures, conferences, etc. from rough draft;
    • Takes notes and/or meeting minutes;
    • Prepares expense accounts;
    • Makes travel arrangements.
  • OFFICE MANAGEMENT:
    • Maintains an inventory of supplies and equipment;
    • Orders supplies when necessary;
    • Completes, processes, and maintains paperwork for purchasing (e.g., orders, requisitions, invoices, etc.);
    • Maintains time and attendance records;
Performs related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • office systems and procedures;
    • proper grammar, punctuation and spelling;
  • Knowledge of business communications;
  • Some knowledge of business math;
  • Skills;
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • schedule and prioritize office workflow;
    • operate office equipment which includes computers, tablets, and other electronic equipment;
    • operate office suite software;
    • take notes (shorthand, speedwriting or other method acceptable to the supervisor).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of experience above the routine clerk level in office support or secretarial work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in the secretarial sciences may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Sharepoint 
  • Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders via written and oral communication. 
  • Experience in maintaining inventory and equipment for an office
  • Experience coordinating office budgeting and purchasing
  • Experience prioritizing more than one project simultaneously while adhering to deadlines 
  • Experience fielding inquiries on behalf of leadership

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.