Administrative Assistant - Human Resources

Some of what you'll be doing:

As an Administrative Assistant in the Human Resources (HR) Department, you will perform moderately difficult to complex administrative support functions. You will also handle work priorities with limited supervisor oversight.

• You will provide comprehensive administrative support to HR leaders and team members, managing priorities, coordinating workflow, maintaining records, interpreting and applying established policies and procedures, and serving as a resource on departmental administrative processes and systems.

• You will coordinate calendars, meetings, and events, ensuring effective scheduling, logistical support, meeting preparation, expense reporting, and seamless coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

• You will support HR operations throughout the employee lifecycle, including onboarding and offboarding activities, personnel documentation, badging authorization, record maintenance, and coordination with employees, managers, and business partners.

• You will manage purchasing and financial administration activities, including procurement requests, P-Card transactions, invoice processing, contract support, vendor coordination, receipt reconciliation, and resolution of purchasing-related issues.

• You will support departmental budget and workforce administration by preparing reports, monitoring expenditures, maintaining financial and personnel records, administering timekeeping processes, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and labor agreements.

• You will identify opportunities to improve administrative processes, recommend and implement process enhancements, provide guidance and training as appropriate, and contribute to an inclusive, customer-focused, and equitable workplace culture.

Who you are:

• Experienced – You have two (2) years of experience providing administrative support to department leader(s) or team(s), including calendaring, travel arrangements, purchasing, budget management, and/or onboarding of new employees.

• Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.

• Technical & Analytical – You possess advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications and general office practices, with the ability to create complex documents, presentations, and reports. You also apply strong research and analytical skills to support informed decision-making.

• Organized & Self-Directed – You have strong organizational and time management skills, enabling you to prioritize competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs. You work independently, exercise sound judgment, and consistently produce high-quality work.

• Effective Communicator & Problem Solver – You possess effective verbal, written, and active listening skills and provide professional customer service with discretion and professionalism. You apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills to address challenges and build productive working relationships.

What else you need to know:

• Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role.

• Work Environment - This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting, requiring at least three days per week on-site to support the operational and administrative needs of the Human Resources department.

• Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.

• Overtime Eligible – You are eligible for overtime pay in this role.

• Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.

Why you'll love it here:

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “ Collective Bargaining Agreement ” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

• Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.

• Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.

• Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.

• Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.

• Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.

• Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.

• Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.

• Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.

• Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.

• Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here .

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity .

Location: Downtown Seattle

Organization: Human Resources

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Nov 18, 2026, 1:59:00 AM

Minimum Salary: 35.36

Midpoint Salary: 47.84

Req ID: 004402

The Port of Seattle is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, knowing decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, regulations and ordinances. To help comply with all state and federal requirements, we appreciate you voluntarily answering the questions below. The information on this form will be kept confidential. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/ethnicity-definitions for definitions and descriptions of the categories referenced below regarding Ethnicity and Race. Click https://www.portseattle.org/page/vevraa-information for information and definitions of the categories referenced below regarding Protected Veterans status.