Job Number:
0789
Date Posted:
April 9, 2026
Position Title:
Staff Assistant/driver - Portland, or
Party:
Democrat
Office Code:
OR-JR
Office/Company:
Sen. Jeff Merkley
Reports To:
Location:
Portland, OR
Contact:
oregon_jobs@merkley.senate.gov
Salary:
USD 53000.00 YEAR
Primary Role
Staff Assistant
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Description:
United States Senator Jeff Merkley is seeking a qualified staffer to join his Oregon Team. The staff assistant/driver is critical to the success of his Oregon activities. The Portland office hours are 9am-5pm, but some weeks, hours may shift due to events or meetings. The position will require considerable in state travel, especially on weekends. The office currently follows a hybrid work plan, where staff can work remotely at times when job duties permit. Candidates must demonstrate excellent “people skills” and a strong commitment to providing outstanding constituent service. Candidates should also show a commitment to the Team’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion mission. The ideal candidate should: be able to think on their feet and be a problem solver; show keen attention to detail and an ability to multi-task; demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; and maintain a positive demeanor and demonstrate resilience in a busy environment. Salary is $53,000 and benefits include full federal health and retirement benefits, transportation subsidy and reimbursement for student loans in repayment.
Responsibilities:
The Staff Assistant’s primary responsibilities include: managing the virtual front office, including answering and tallying telephone calls, processing voicemails, and entering constituent information. The Staff Assistant assists with transportation for the Senator to and from PDX airport as needed, involving early morning and evening hours. The Staff Assistant will also be one of the primary drivers for in-state travel team, including on multi-day trips, bringing along necessary equipment, taking photos, and getting the Senator and other staff members safely to the locations on time. The Staff Assistant will assist with completing any number of follow-up items that may arise during the Senator’s events. The Staff Assistant is also responsible for assisting the correspondence team with coding, scheduling meetings, taking meeting notes and minutes, performing research, drafting memoranda and other tasks as assigned by managers.
Qualifications:
Skills and Requirements: Exceptional oral and written communication skills Keen listening skills, a constituent / customer service orientation, and the ability to communicate on a broad spectrum of topics in a professional manner Careful attention to detail Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines Ability to work closely in a team environment as well as work independently Sound political judgment Ability to quickly acquire and master technical skills in an evolving office environment Oregon driver’s license and driver insurance (upon employment) Access to a vehicle that can be used for work is preferred, but not required Comfort driving in various weather conditions, including winter weather, preferred Comfort with advance trip planning, and ability to arrive on schedule Knowledge of Oregon and the Senator
Instructions:
We invite members of all diverse communities to apply as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from every background. Candidates should please submit a cover letter and resume via email to oregon_jobs@merkley.senate.gov. Please include Staff Assistant in the subject line. Deadline: COB Friday, April 24, 2026.
Other:
Senator Merkley’s office is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve. The office does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or uniformed service. Oregon connections are a must.
