MRC Receptionist (variable hour)

Position Summary

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Are you someone who thrives on creating positive first impressions and providing exceptional customer service? As a Variable Hour (VHE) Receptionist with our Campus Operations Team, you'll be the welcoming face for staff and visitors, setting the tone for a warm, inclusive, and safe environment. Your friendly demeanor and helpful attitude will make everyone feel valued and at ease.

This position is located at the Metro Regional Center (MRC). The MRC serves as the main administrative office for over 500 employees conducting Metro and Metro Council business. The MRC has recently been transformed into a modern hybrid workplace. Employees enjoy features such as reservable desks, wellness spaces, plant walls, open seating areas, interactive multimedia meeting rooms, a fitness center, rooftop patio deck, a daycare, parking garage and updated building systems.

In this flexible, on-call role, you have the opportunity to complete a variety of front-desk duties, including welcoming visitors, screening calls, providing information, and directing individuals to the appropriate staff or department. You'll help create a positive experience by offering exceptional customer service, managing building access, observing site conditions, handling mail, and supporting events. This position is ideal for someone seeking adaptable work hours without the constraints of a fixed schedule.

If you're ready to bring your welcoming spirit and customer-focused mindset to our team, we'd love to hear from you!

As the MRC Receptionist you will

• Serve as the first point of contact, greeting and welcoming staff and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
• Screen and direct incoming calls and visitors to the appropriate staff member or department, ensuring efficient and accurate communication.
• Provide exceptional customer service that fosters a welcoming environment and ensures a positive experience for all guests.
• Act as a resource for staff and visitors, addressing inquiries, resolving site-related issues, and offering information on building activities, services, and programs.
• Manage visitor and staff access to the building for meetings, events, and activities, ensuring security and smooth operations.
• Monitor site conditions using surveillance systems to observe and report on building activities.
• Perform data entry and information retrieval using various computer software applications with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Sort and distribute incoming mail efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Support building events and activities as needed, contributing to team efforts with flexibility and cooperation.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills by assisting the public, agency partners, public officials, and colleagues professionally and courteously, always striving to exceed expectations.

Attributes for success

• Basic knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all staff and visitors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, professionally, and empathetically.
• Active listening skills that demonstrate understanding and responsiveness to the needs of others.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks, shifting priorities, and adapting to changing circumstances with flexibility.
• Proficiency in front desk operations, including call screening, visitor management, and use of computer software for data entry and information retrieval.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed, exercising good judgment in decision-making while also contributing positively as a team member.
• Strong customer service orientation, committed to providing courteous and helpful support to staff, visitors, public officials, and agency partners.
• Observational awareness to monitor building conditions and ensure safety using surveillance systems.
• Basic understanding of office procedures, building policies, security protocols, and event support.
• Problem-solving skills to address inquiries and resolve site-related issues efficiently and professionally.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• One year of experience in a social service, public service, hospitality, mental health, outreach, community relations, community service, customer service or welfare field.
• High school diploma or GED certificate or sufficient education to demonstrate the ability to read instructions and perform routine math with accuracy.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Shift and schedule: This position offers flexibility by operating on an on-call basis, allowing you to balance work with your personal commitments. You'll have the opportunity to support our team during nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, with your schedule adapting to the operational needs and special events at the MRC.

Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in a 12-month period.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Flexibility to work on an on-call basis
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to engage positively with diverse populations.
• Proficiency with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

REPRESENTATON

This position is eligible for overtime and is not represented by a union. It is classified as an Administrative Specialist II.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Megan Warneke

Email: ...

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

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