Hiring process begins for economic development job
Marion County Economic Development Secretary position is far more than a clerical position.
That was determined Monday by Marion County Commission when discussion was heard regarding the hiring process for the position.
The commission agreed with City of Marion officials that there needed to be an extensive screening process, more so than for any other county position previously filled by the commission.
An assessment center will be used to screen applicants for the secretarial position, much like the one used by the City of Marion in hiring an economic development director.
As part of the assessment center, up to three applicants would be put through rigorous activities to determine abilities of interacting with groups of people, determining job skills and multi-tasking abilities.
The people would evaluate the applicants and volunteers would participate in the exercise.
Marion City Administrator David Mayfield offered his assistance with the process. He also suggested an extensive background check on applicants prior to the assessment.
A task force comprised of members of Marion County Economic Development Council assisted the commission in creating a job description.
The position description included essential functions of being a liaison between economic development contacts, communities within the county, and the commission; creation of and maintaining a database; serve as secretary of Marion County Economic Development Council and assist the council as needed; and distribute and compile survey information.
Minimum requirements for the position included high school diploma, college education preferred; post-secondary education in related field or three years of life-experience; be able to perform job within six months; a thorough knowledge of computer applications; have abilities of problem-solving, decision-making, and tracking expenses and following budget guidelines.
Later in the meeting, county clerk Carol Maggard suggested starting pay be determined before advertising. She said she didn't think it would be highly rated by the classification committee because of the job description and it being compared with other county secretarial positions.
It was determined the starting pay could be $10-$12 per hour, dependent on experience.
