Administrative Assistants Careers | Public Health Agency of Canada

Administrative Assistants at PHAC support departments, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to public health goals. This guide covers careers, salaries, and requirements.

Overview of Administrative Assistant Job Opportunities at PHAC

Administrative assistants at PHAC support teams by performing essential tasks such as managing schedules, handling correspondence, organizing meetings, and maintaining records. These roles are vital for the agency’s efficiency across program management, research, public health, and executive offices.

Common Responsibilities of Administrative Assistants

• Managing office communications (e.g., emails, phone calls, and correspondence)
• Scheduling and coordinating meetings, appointments, and events
• Preparing documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external use
• Managing office supplies and equipment, ensuring smooth daily operations
• Assisting with the organization of workshops, conferences, and training sessions
• Maintaining and organizing records, files, and databases
• Processing invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports
• Supporting project teams with administrative tasks as needed

Administrative assistants at PHAC work closely with public health professionals, managers, and executives to ensure efficient operations within their departments.

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Salaries for Administrative Assistants at PHAC

PHAC offers competitive salaries to administrative assistants, with pay determined by the level of experience, job classification, and location. Salaries for administrative assistants in the federal government are generally based on the Administrative Services (AS) classification system.

• Entry-Level Administrative Assistant: CAD 50,000 – CAD 60,000 per year
• Mid-Level Administrative Assistant: CAD 60,000 – CAD 70,000 per year
• Senior Administrative Assistant: CAD 70,000 – CAD 80,000 per year

In addition to base salaries, PHAC employees receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, dental care, pension plans, paid leave, and opportunities for career advancement.

Requirements for Administrative Assistant Jobs at PHAC

To work as an administrative assistant at the Public Health Agency of Canada, candidates must meet specific education, experience, and skill requirements. Below are the general qualifications and skills required for these positions.

1. Education

• Minimum Requirement: A high school diploma (Grade 12) is typically the minimum educational requirement for administrative assistant positions.
• Preferred Education: While a high school diploma is the basic requirement, some candidates may benefit from additional education, such as a diploma or certificate in office administration, business administration, or a related field.

2. Work Experience

• Entry-Level Positions: For entry-level administrative roles, 1-2 years of experience in an office environment or administrative support position is usually required. Experience in handling office communications, scheduling, and document preparation is beneficial.
• Mid-Level and Senior Positions: More advanced positions may require 3-5 years of experience, particularly in providing support to senior management or large teams. Experience in managing budgets, coordinating complex schedules, or supporting executive-level staff is often required for senior roles.

3. Skills

• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills are essential for managing multiple tasks, handling documents, and keeping offices running smoothly.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to interact with colleagues, managers, and external stakeholders. Administrative assistants are often the first point of contact for inquiries, both within the agency and from the public.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is essential. Experience with office management software, databases, and financial systems (e.g., SAP) is often a plus.
• Attention to Detail: Administrative assistants must be detail-oriented, ensuring that records, reports, and documents are accurate and properly maintained.
• Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently is crucial, especially in fast-paced environments.
• Interpersonal Skills: Administrative assistants need strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with team members and other departments. Customer service skills are important for roles that involve direct interaction with the public or external stakeholders.

4. Bilingualism

• English and French: Proficiency in both English and French is often a significant asset for administrative roles at PHAC, particularly for positions that involve direct communication with the public or internal departments that serve Francophone communities. In some cases, bilingualism may be a requirement.

How to Apply for Administrative Assistant Jobs at PHAC

Applying for administrative assistant roles at PHAC follows the standard federal government hiring process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Search for Job Openings

Job openings at PHAC are listed on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank or the Public Service Commission of Canada website. You can filter job postings by category, such as administrative services or clerical support, and look for roles specific to PHAC. Job Bank Canada | Public Service Commission of Canada