Desk Attendant

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Position Summary

The Desk Attendant (DA) position provides front line and desk operations service to students, staff, and the residential community, in support of the University Residences mission. DAs assist UR in tasks such as customer service, administrative duties, processing building access, conducting audits, and updating databases. It is the expectation of University Residences that DAs adhere to the highest standards throughout their functions and areas of responsibilities.

Departmental Job Responsibilities

University Residences Facilities Assets & Projects (URFAP) employs students in various facets of on-campus housing. All student staff in URFAP serve as a resource and role model ethical behavior for residents and guests, provide inclusive customer service to diverse populations, and work collaboratively with team members and individually to maintain and advance Assets & Projects that enrich the resident and guest experience. All URFAP positions provide general support as follows:

  • Report UR Community Standards violations observed to Residence Life as appropriate.
  • Immediately direct emergency (or urgent) maintenance, custodial, or other requests concerning resident-identified-issues to Facilities Development & Operations (FDO) Customer Service Center (during business hours) or UPD (after hours).
  • Identify and report building and safety issues.
  • Represent WWU and University Residences accurately.
  • Exhibit ethical behavior in fulfilling one’s role.
  • Exercise good judgment in upholding established policies of the University and the UR system; support and obey all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
  • Appropriately handle confidential information.
  • Serve as a role model and act congruently with WWU standards and code of conduct; educate students regarding university policies and procedures.
  • Assist in responding to immediate student concerns and give referral information as needed.
  • Provide general information about University Residences and other University resources.
  • Know and support the mission of University Residences.
  • Engage in professional interactions and employ varied communication methods that are culturally aware and inclusive of all identities with diverse guests, peers, and WWU staff.
  • Maintain fairness and act respectfully.
  • Demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural awareness.
  • Create a welcoming environment through friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful customer service.
  • Assist customers in submitting Maintenance Requests, provide training, and generate Maintenance Requests as needed.
  • Document accurate and timely submission of time sheets and payroll logs.
  • Respond to and/or refer phone calls, e-mails, and in-person inquiries as appropriate while maintaining confidentiality of information.
  • Consistently work collaboratively in small groups to accomplish daily assigned tasks.
  • Deliver timely communication and follow-up with peers, guests, and supervisors.
  • Willingness and ability to complete tasks with a high standard of quality and within a given timeline.
  • Build working relationships with other staff members through positive and constructive communication.
  • Room readiness checks.
  • Resident Checkout Program (RCP) item audits.
  • Preparedness actions for Fall opening.
  • Provide residential lockout support as needed.
  • Other URFAP assigned duties and tasks.

Core Desk Operations Responsibilities

Under direction of the Desk Administrator or designated staff member, tasks include but are not limited to:

  • Assist managing desk supplies and applicable resources.
  • Facilitate the resident room check in & check out processes.
  • Assist with key management, maintenance of key inventories, reporting of lost/damaged keys, lockout key tracking and key transaction documentation.
  • Sort, distribute, troubleshoot, and audit mail and packages.
  • Conduct daily dashboard audits and properly follow up.
  • Maintain daily shift logs.
  • Organize and maintain desk area.
  • Online file management and reporting.
  • Perform other duties assigned by supervisor(s).

Required Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled at least half time and must be a matriculated student, i.e., minimum six credit hours for undergraduate and post baccalaureate or minimum four credit hours for graduate.
  • Maintain appropriate academic standing.
  • DAs must live on campus their first year working as a DA.
  • Available to work flexible hours, including intersession breaks, finals weeks, Fridays, and some holidays throughout the academic year.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to establish work priorities, manage time and work independently and collaboratively on a team.
  • Must be able to bend, kneel, squat, stand, and lift heavy packages (maximum 40 pounds) as needed.

Conditions of Employment

  • Be able to serve in the assigned role during the employment period previously mentioned.
  • Desk Attendants must be available during desk hours preferably at least 10 hours per week, plus rotating weekend shifts with a max of 19 hours per week while classes are in session. Hours vary by community needs, with evenings, weekends and finals week shifts required. Winter and spring intersession shift coverage will be established during the academic year. Summer position may be available.
  • Fulfill position requirements as described in this document and the position agreement.
  • Perform tasks and projects as assigned by supervisor(s) upon operational requirements and needs.
  • Conduct violations and/or performance evaluation may result in termination.
  • Attend and participate in departmental training as directed including training prior to the start of or during Fall Quarter.
  • Students must also fulfill all other requirements outlined by Western for employment, and live-on students must adhere to the Housing Agreement and University Residence Policies & Procedures.


 

Employment Period

DAs are typically employed for the entire academic year. Summer work opportunities are available to support UR Desk Operations and projects. Summer housing accommodations are available to student staff members who work with UR during this period at a discounted rate.

Pay Rate

Starting at current Western Washington University minimum wage.

Timeline

Application is closed.

Virtual interviews offered and conducted: Spring Quarter 2025

Start date: September 2, 2025

End date: June 12, 2026

About Us

University Residences (UR) engages students in diverse and inclusive, healthy, safe and sustainable communities that foster academic success and personal growth. Through sixteen residence halls and one apartment community, UR provides on-campus housing for over 4,400 of Western’s 15,000 students. Nearly 200 students are employed by UR in part-time positions ranging from entry level to paraprofessional.

Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, Western Washington University, Old Main 345 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu.

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3774 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Contact

For any questions about the Desk Attendant position, please contact Mikki Newell at newellv3@wwu.edu or 360-650-2541.