CLERK and/or OFFICE ASSISTANT
PUTNAM COUNTY IS A QUALIFIED EMPLOYER FOR PUBLIC STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
DUTIES: This position involves the performance of standardized clerical tasks and the operation of equipment requiring the manipulation of an alphanumeric keyboard to produce printed copy. Specific duties vary with the needs of the municipality, department or division. Procedures are usually fixed but detailed instructions are given for new or difficult assignments. The work involves the processing of all or part of the paperwork flow of an office or part of an office which involves judgment in work scheduling and the evaluation of submitted data for compliance with established criteria. Supervision over the work of others is typically not a responsibility of employees in this class. Performs a variety of related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either
a) Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma; or
b) Two (2) years of clerical experience which must have involved some use of computer applications to enter data, maintain records or prepare reports.
c) An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in a) and b) above
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION: The examination will consist of the following: Multiple Choice Test: A written test is designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas:
1. Spelling: These questions are designed to test the candidate's ability to spell words that office employees might encounter in their daily work.
2. Alphabetizing: These questions are designed to test a candidate’s ability to file material accurately in alphabetic order.
3. Clerical Operations With Letters and Numbers: These questions are designed to test a candidate's visual perception and basic clerical accuracy in working with alphanumeric characters. The candidate is required to read, compare, check, reorder and count letters and numbers following specific directions for each question. Knowledge of the alphabet and the ability to count are required.
4. Record Keeping: These questions are designed to test a candidate’s ability to perform common record keeping tasks. The test consists of two or more “sets” of questions, each set concerning a different problem. Typical record keeping problems might involve the organization or collation of data from several sources; scheduling, maintaining a record system using running balances; or completion of a table summarizing data using totals, subtotals, averages and percents.
Use of Calculators is ALLOWED.
Please see attachment for important civil service information
ELIGIBLE LIST Successful candidates will have their names placed on the eligible list in the order of final scores, regardless of the date on which they took the test. The names of qualified candidates will remain on the eligible list for a non-extendible one (1) year period.
EXAM PROCEDURE INFORMATION: The test will be administered on a laptop computer. A study guide entitled “Clerical/Steno/Typist Series, Entry-Level,” is available online at https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm. If you do not have online access, contact this office for a copy.
RETEST POLICY: Candidates must wait a minimum of 1 year to retest regardless of whether they pass or fail.
FOR INFORMATION: PUTNAM COUNTY PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Donald B. Smith County Government Campus 110 Old Route 6, Bldg. 3, Carmel, NY 10512 Tel: 845-808-1650 x46104 https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/personnel/
TO APPLY:
1. Go to www.putnamcountyny.gov/personnel/ & click APPLY FOR EXAMINATIONS
2. View exam information & click APPLY
3. Complete & submit online application.
4. Mail or deliver to drop box outside Personnel Department or pay filing fee online within five (5) business days Filing fee $35
Filing fees must be RECEIVED by Putnam County Personnel Dept within FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS following application submission. • Exam filing fees are NOT REFUNDABLE for any reason, including disqualification. • If your filing fee is not received within the time permitted, your application will be disqualified without review. Make CHECK or MONEY ORDER payable to “Putnam County Personnel Department” – NO CASH **Returned checks are subject to a $15 fee as per Putnam County Resolution #247 of 1998**
VACANCIES: The eligible list established as a result of the continuous recruitment examination will be used, where appropriate, to fill current and future vacancies in all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Putnam County Personnel Department. In addition to full-time positions, this list may also be used to fill part-time positions in this title, where appropriate.
PUTNAM COUNTY STARTING SALARY: $45,334 (2026) Salaries in the Towns, School Districts and other agencies vary according to jurisdiction.