Principal Office Assistant to the DPW Administration

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

The Town of Falmouth welcomes applications for a detail-oriented, customer-service-focused Principal Office Assistant to join the Administration Division of the Department of Public Works (DPW). This position helps residents, businesses, and Town staff navigate DPW processes and services, including Highway, Parks, Engineering, Water and Wastewater services. The successful candidate will support the DPW’s mission through professionalism, teamwork, sound judgment, initiative, accountability, and a commitment to delivering reliable, accessible, equitable, and high-quality municipal services.

This is a full-time, year-round, benefit-eligible position that works 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.

Under the general supervision of the DPW Contract and Systems Support Specialist, key responsibilities include:

Responding to calls, emails, visitors, requests for information, and service complaints; researching account and billing questions; and coordinating follow-up with customers and DPW staff;
Monitoring and updating water, wastewater, and septage accounts and maintaining accurate service and project records;
Assigning service and account numbers and assisting with meter-reading, billing, collections, and related data-processing procedures;
Documenting final meter readings associated with property transfers, preparing work orders, and routing requests to the appropriate employees for response;
Preparing and reviewing service applications and responding to requests from other Town departments for information or confirmation of water and wastewater service compliance;
Researching and compiling information related to betterments;
Maintaining contract, permit, plan, and other departmental records and providing engineering administrative support, including street-opening permit files, house-number records, the road directory, and other materials as assigned;
Verifying and processing payroll and personnel forms for assigned DPW divisions; and
Providing administrative support to the Director and Deputy Director of Public Works and cross-training in other DPW customer-service, account-processing, financial-recordkeeping, and office functions to provide coverage and assistance as needed.

The Principal Office Assistant works independently in a busy, public-facing office with a high volume of calls, emails, and service requests. Call volume and priorities can change quickly, particularly during emergency weather operations. The position requires the ability to remain productive and accurate amid frequent interruptions while providing welcoming, accessible, and respectful service to all members of the community.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative, secretarial, bookkeeping, or related office experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Working knowledge of office procedures and basic bookkeeping or financial-recordkeeping practices is required.

The successful candidate will have meticulous attention to detail; strong customer service, organizational, communication, and computer skills; and the ability to work independently, maintain detailed and accurate records, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Selected applicants will be invited to complete a skills screening as an initial step in the evaluation process.

Anticipated Starting Hourly Rate: Step 1 ($30.13/hour) to Step 3 ($32.59/hour), commensurate with qualifications and experience, with eligibility for annual advancement along the 7-step pay scale.

The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 13 paid holidays per year; vacation, sick, and personal leave; professional development opportunities; a Town contribution of up to 75% of the cost of health insurance; cost-effective dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans; enrollment in the Town’s defined-benefit pension plan; and voluntary pre-tax and Roth 457(b) plans.

Preference Date to Apply: Monday, October 19, 2026. The position will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by the preference date will receive priority consideration. Candidates are strongly encouraged to upload a cover letter and resume with their application.

How to Apply: Please apply directly via the Town of Falmouth Employment page at: https://www.falmouthma.gov/723/EmploymentCurrent-Job-Openings

About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our employees through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. The Town offers competitive compensation, and benefit-eligible positions offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance and other valuable benefits, and include participation in the Town's pension plan. All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.

\nCompany Description

Located on the southwest tip of Cape Cod, Falmouth is a vibrant coastal community comprised of eight villages and seven historic districts. With a year-round population of approximately 32,500 that nearly triples during the summer season, Falmouth offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historic charm, civic engagement, and organizational excellence. The Town strives to be a premier Cape community that provides a responsive, accessible, and inclusive environment for all.