Principal Administrative Coordinator
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-12178 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $35-$50/hr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems , Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning. A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently. The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio. T he Office of the Chief Operating Officer stewards directorate-wide performance management and provides the primary interface with other directorates at PNNL. Functions include directorate operations management, performance assurance and reporting, chief engineer, building code official, readiness, and document management. Responsibilities The Principal Administrative Coordinator provides high‑level administrative support to the OSD COO and to leaders within the Aviation and Campus Planning. This highly skilled role delivers advanced coordination, operational oversight, and strategic administrative support. The coordinator ensures seamless office operations, strengthens program execution, and facilitates high‑impact communication and decision‑making. The successful candidate operates with substantial independence, sound judgment, and professionalism—often anticipating needs, advancing actions, and driving improvement to enhance organizational effectiveness. Key Responsibilities Provide senior‑level administrative and operational support to the OSD COO, including high‑complexity calendar management, executive briefing preparation, and coordination of strategic engagements. Serve as a trusted advisor on administrative operations, proactively anticipating needs, identifying gaps, and initiating improvements that support the COO’s mission and priorities. Coordinate interviews and new‑hire onboarding activities—schedule panels, prepare materials, manage candidate and panel communications, and coordinate orientation, access requests, workspace readiness, equipment provisioning, and first‑week schedules in partnership with HR/Talent Acquisition and hiring managers. Oversee end‑to‑end travel and expense processes for Aviation and Campus Planning personnel, including itinerary development, expense reporting, corporate card oversight, issue resolution, compliance documentation, and policy guidance. Support operational readiness across the 40 Aviation and Campus Planning team members by tracking deadlines, monitoring program requirements, and helping facilitate execution of key operational deliverables. Coordinate and document meetings, workshops, site reviews, and cross‑organizational discussions, ensuring timely follow‑up and accurate recordkeeping. Facilitate communication between the COO’s office, Aviation Program leadership, Campus Planning teams, OSD divisions, and broader laboratory operational groups. Prepare polished executive‑level documents, presentations, and communications that support operational clarity and leadership decision‑ Maintain organized and accessible electronic and physical records, including program documents, operational materials, and formal correspondence. Ensure administrative workflows, documentation, and processes align with OSD standards and support institutional compliance and safety. Coordinate and track formal correspondence including memos, letters, and notifications from draft through approval, signature, distribution, and archiving; Correspondence and Commitment Tracking System training completion is required. Provide administrative support to other direct reports to the COO, including the Chief Engineer, Document Management staff, and personnel across the Operations Office. Act as the point of contact for PNNL conference room scheduling, managing the inbox and conference room calendars, responding to inquiries, and assisting with scheduling needs. Serve as an active member of the OSD administrative team, providing cross‑coverage, supporting colleagues as needed, and serving as backup during absences to ensure consistent operational support. Lead or contribute to administrative process improvements, training, mentoring, and onboarding efforts for administrative peers. This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence 4 days a week. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 12 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment -OR- AA degree or higher and 10 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment. Experience in planning meetings and coordinating travel Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting senior leaders in complex operational or technical environments. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint). Demonstrated expertise in travel coordination, meeting planning, and executive support. Advanced written and verbal communication skills appropriate for executive‑level audiences. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise high judgment. Strong initiative, problem‑solving skills, and ownership of administrative operations. Strategic administrative judgment in high‑tempo operational environments. Strong relationship‑building skills across diverse technical and operational teams. Exceptional attention to detail and follow‑through. Leadership in improving workflows, processes, and administrative systems. Clear, confident communication and professionalism. Additional Information Not Applicable. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Researc
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 12 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment -OR- AA degree or higher and 10 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment. Experience in planning meetings and coordinating travel Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting senior leaders in complex operational or technical environments. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint). Demonstrated expertise in travel coordination, meeting planning, and executive support. Advanced written and verbal communication skills appropriate for executive‑level audiences. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise high judgment. Strong initiative, problem‑solving skills, and ownership of administrative operations. Strategic administrative judgment in high‑tempo operational environments. Strong relationship‑building skills across diverse technical and operational teams. Exceptional attention to detail and follow‑through. Leadership in improving workflows, processes, and administrative systems. Clear, confident communication and professionalism.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $34.57/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $50.10/Hr.