Administrative Assistant
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Administrative Assistant
Salary
$42,889.60 - $63,044.80 Annually
Location
Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-02038
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Opening Date
02/04/2026
Closing Date
2/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-POST
Point of Contact
satya.chennupati@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-725-8436
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.
The Department of Natural Resources encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant 1 to provide critical administrative and program support to the Wastewater Engineering and Water Supply Engineering Sections. This position plays a key role in ensuring the timely processing of wastewater and drinking water construction permits and State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects in accordance with state and federal regulations.
The Administrative Assistant serves as the central intake and tracking point for engineering project submittals, permit fees, correspondence, and records management. This role works closely with engineers, SRF coordinator, field offices, consulting engineers, funding partners, and the public to support Iowa's water and wastewater infrastructure programs.
Essential Functions
Track, process, and manage municipal and industrial wastewater and drinking water construction permit applications and supporting documentation.
Perform completeness reviews of incoming project submittals for compliance with program requirements and state rules.
Enter, update, and maintain project data in web-based databases, including wastewater project management systems and the WWISARD database.
Manage intake, reconciliation, and tracking of construction permit fees, including credit card payments and orphan fee resolution.
Coordinate outgoing correspondence, approvals, construction permits, change orders, addenda, variances, and completion certificates.
Maintain electronic and paper project files in compliance with DNR, SRF, and electronic records management requirements (OpenText).
Coordinate records management activities for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs.
Communicate professionally with applicants, consulting engineers, SRF staff, Iowa Finance Authority, field offices, public officials, and the public.
Assist with preparation of program reports, surveys, audits, and annual state and federal reporting requirements.
Support administrative operations including travel reimbursement processing, procurement, scheduling meetings and trainings, and responding to program inquiries.
Assist section leadership with budget tracking, procurement coordination, and workflow/process improvements.
Critical Job Competencies
Administrative & Organizational Skills: Ability to manage high volumes of project data, deadlines, and records with accuracy and consistency.
Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge or ability to learn wastewater and drinking water permitting requirements, SRF programs, and state/federal policies.
Data & Records Management: Proficiency with databases, electronic records systems, spreadsheets, and document tracking.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with technical staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in data entry, fee reconciliation, document review, and records retention.
Customer Service Focus: Ability to respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and support applicants and internal staff in a timely and professional manner.
Problem Solving & Initiative: Ability to identify issues, investigate discrepancies, and recommend or implement solutions within established procedures.
Collaboration & Flexibility: Works effectively as part of a team while independently managing assigned responsibilities.
Computer & Technical Skills: Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based systems; experience with electronic records management preferred.
What You Get From Us:
A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
(Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
Nine paid holidays/year.
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
Professional training opportunities.
Family friendly and professional work environment.
Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
The State's total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/benefits-glance) for more information.
Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.
Comments
The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website (https://das.iowa.gov/state-employment/benefits-glance) for more benefit information.
Ensure you are kept up-to-date of this position by checking your email regularly for emails from info@govermentjobs.com (file://iowa.gov.state.ia.us/data/DNRUsers/mforbes0/My%20Documents/info@govermentjobs.com) . This is a system generated email from the DAS application system and it may be sent directly to your Junk/Spam folder.
DNR Application Tips (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment)
For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment (https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Employment) website.
The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Iowa DNR Mission
To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov
Selectives
916Electronic Records ManagementThe equivalent of six months of full-time experience performing records management functions including the creation, organization, maintenance, administrative use, security, public accountability, storage, retention, conversion of paper documents to digital formats and digital to digital functionality.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in any field.
A total of four years of education (as described in number one) and/or full-time experience in accounting, secretarial, or office support work collecting, compiling, reporting, examining and/or editing numerical data; coding and qualifying people for benefits, licenses, or other transactions; preparing and keeping budgetary accounts and projections; organizing and implementing office support operations; advising on procedural processes; or other work that provided direct support and exposure to substantive agency programs, where one year of full-time experience is equal to 30 semester hours of education.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 12 months of full-time work as a Secretary 2, Clerk Specialist, Public Service Supervisor, Accounting Technician (any level), Purchasing Assistant, or Human Resources Technical Assistant
For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\and\pay/JobClassDescriptions/AdministrativeAssistant1-00708-90708.pdf) .
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation:
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.
Health and Wellness:
Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning:
We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .
Paid Time Off:
Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development:
Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career:
Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01
Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.
Yes - I understand and agree.
No
02
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?
No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
03
Have you graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university?
Yes
No
04
How many years do you have of a combination of full-time work experience in accounting, secretarial or office support work involving: collecting, compiling, reporting, examining and/or editing numerical data; coding/qualifying persons for benefits, licenses or other transactions; preparing/keeping budgetary accounts and projections; organizing/implementing office support operations; advising on procedural processes; or other work which provided direct support/exposure to substantive agency programs AND/OR post high school education? 30 semester hours of course work equals one year of experience.
I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
Less than two years of the combined education and/or experience
Two years to less than four years of the combined education and/or experience
Four years or more of the combined education and/or experience
05
Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Secretary 2, Clerk Specialist, Public Service Supervisor, Accounting Technician (any level), Purchasing Assistant or Human Resources Technical Assistant for the State of Iowa?
I am not a State of Iowa employee
Less than 12 months of the required experience
12 months or more of the required experience
06
Does your application demonstrate that you have the equivalent of six months of full-time experience performing records management functions including the creation, organization, maintenance, administrative use, security, public accountability, storage, retention, conversion of paper documents to digital formats and digital to digital functionality?
Yes
No
07
If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please @type in "No" in the box below.]
Required Question
Employer
State of Iowa
Agency
542 Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Address
6200 Park Ave
STE 200
Des Moines, Iowa, 50321
Website
http://www.iowadnr.gov/
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