Administrative Assistant - Emergency Management & Zoning

JOB TITLE: Administrative Assistant – Emergency Management & Zoning

Department: Emergency Management / Zoning
Location: Knox County Courthouse, 206 Main Street, Center, Nebraska
Reports To: Emergency Management Director / Zoning Administrator (Joint Position)

Position Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week) or will consider Part-Time (less than 30 hours per week)

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides crucial clerical, data entry, and organizational support for the Knox County Emergency Management and Zoning departments. Serves as the first point of contact for the public, assisting residents with building permits, land use inquiries, and general disaster preparedness information. This role reports directly to the dual Director/Administrator overseeing both agencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Emergency Management Support:

• Meeting Coordination: Schedule meetings for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and maintain agendas, minutes, and rosters.
• Emergency Operations: Provide clerical support during the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including drafting initial incident reports and logging resource requests.
• Outreach & Grants: Assist in the preparation of grant paperwork, compile end-of-year reports, and organize public preparedness materials.

Zoning Administration:

• Permit Processing: Review incoming building permit applications for completeness, collect fees, and issue permits in accordance with Knox County zoning regulations.
• Public Notices: Prepare and distribute public notices, hearing agendas, and legal advertisements for the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment; keep office website content current.
• Mapping & Records: Assist the public in reading GIS informational maps; maintain paper and digital filing systems for land use, variances, and code compliance.

General Clerical & Customer Service:

• Public Inquiries: Answer phones, respond to emails, greet walk-in visitors and direct them to the Director/Administrator, if necessary.
• Office Management: Maintain department supplies, process mail, draft correspondence, and ensure office equipment is operational.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field is preferred but not required.
• Experience: General clerical, office management, or customer service experience. Municipal or county government experience is a plus. Training will be provided so must be willing to learn and adapt to office procedures.
• Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Must be detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Requirements: Must have a valid Nebraska Driver’s License. Willingness to occasionally work flexible hours during severe weather events or public emergencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. and the ability to navigate office environments. Must be comfortable maintaining a calm and professional demeanor during stressful public emergencies or customer interactions.

WAGE:

Minimum $17.50 per hour (negotiable based on experience)

HOW TO APPLY:

Employment applications and a benefits summary are available online at:
https://knoxcountyne.gov/employment-opportunities/

OR

Go to the Knox County website at: knoxcountyne.gov and click on “How Do I”. Under the “Apply For” column, click on “Job with the County”.

Submit your completed application by Monday, August 3, 2026, to the Knox County Clerk's Office by:

• Email: joann.fischer@knoxcountyne.gov
• Mail: Joann Fischer, Knox County Clerk, P.O. Box 166, Center, NE 68724
• In Person: County Clerk's Office, Knox County Courthouse, 206 Main Street, Center, Nebraska

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Joann Fischer, Knox County Clerk, at 402-288-5604 or joann.fischer@knoxcountyne.gov .

Pay: $17.50 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20