Administrative Program Specialist

OSU Oregon State University • Corvallis, OR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Oregon State University’s Department of Botany & Plant Pathology is hiring one full-time Administrative Program Specialist. The position serves as the department’s personnel and human resources liaison, supporting faculty, staff, search committees, supervisors, and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. The specialist interprets and applies university policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, and serves as a departmental Workday resource by assisting with transactions, troubleshooting issues, communicating requirements, and ensuring accurate and timely HR and payroll processes.

The role requires analyzing and interpreting information, including payroll data; navigating evolving technology systems; clearly explaining complex procedures; and maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. This is an on-campus appointment scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience, within the listed range of $22.84–$34.70.

The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026. Applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining how their qualifications and experience prepare them for the position, and a separate response (maximum 300 words) describing their experience providing customer service or support to a diverse group of individuals. Applications received by November 11, 2026, receive full consideration; applications may continue to be accepted until a sufficient applicant pool is achieved or the position is filled. The role is designated critical or security-sensitive and requires successful completion of a criminal history check and position qualification review.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as an administrative specialist or executive support specialist, including administrative support for a project, program, or operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Administrative support experience must include duties beyond clerical or secretarial work, such as interpreting laws, rules, and regulations; collecting and analyzing administrative data; or evaluating projects, processes, and operations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified under University Standard 05-010 et seq.
• Self-report convictions; incumbents in youth programs may also be subject to additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree.
• Experience working in human resources.
• Basic accounting skills as they pertain to human resources support.
• A record of or commitment to working with underrepresented or underserved students or other audiences.
• Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.
• Previous experience in an academic setting using enterprise administrative systems such as Workday, PeopleAdmin, Banner, CORE, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the departmental liaison between Human Resources, the Business Center, and department employees for personnel and Workday-related processes.
• Interpret and communicate HR policies, procedures, and employment requirements to supervisors, search committees, new hires, faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Provide guidance, training, and clear instructions regarding Workday transactions, onboarding, hiring processes, payroll actions, position changes, and employment documentation.
• Research and resolve HR-related issues by reviewing available information, identifying appropriate resources, and coordinating with university partners to support compliance and accurate processing.
• Review, enter, audit, and process personnel and employment-related records with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed