Job Information
Iowa Department of Administrative Services Conservation Assistant - Webster County in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Conservation Assistant - Webster County
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Conservation Assistant - Webster County
Salary
$18.81 - $27.53 Hourly
Location
Fort Dodge - 50501 - Webster County, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
24-01478
Agency
009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Opening Date
04/17/2024
Closing Date
5/8/2024 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
#LI-POST
Point of Contact
Michelle.Timmer@iowaagriculture.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (https://iowaagriculture.gov/) (IDALS) are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work of the Department.
TheField Services Bureau (https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/fieldServices.asp) seeks to fill the position of Conservation Assistant (Secretary 2). Land stewardship is central to the work of the Department. The Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality (https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/soilConservation.asp) provides farmers with expertise and funds to help them install practices that preserve our highly productive soil, prevent erosion and protect our critical waterways. The Department is focused on making sure future Iowans can experience the same high quality of life that past generations have enjoyed in our state.
The Conservation Assistant provides administrative and clerical support to theSoil & Water Conservation District (https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/fieldServices.asp) (SWCD), SWCD board members, and field office staff. (requires minimal travel)
Field Office Program Support:
Answer multiline phone for all incoming calls and route to appropriate individual/department.
Receptionist: Primary contact for all individuals entering office.
Provide customer service and information to general public for activities related to SWCD district, state cost share programs and federal programs.
Assist with contractor meetings for the district. Prepare agenda, meeting materials and related mailings.
Prepare news releases and disseminate appropriately.
Assist staff and commissioners preparing and submitting travel reimbursement requests.
Maintain adequate supply of handout information, brochures and job sheets
Process and distribute all incoming mail. Prepare outgoing mail for delivery.
Maintain files for all state and federal correspondence, directives, bulletins, updates, policy and procedure changes, and related case files.
Provide program and financial incentive information for WQI, REAP, IFIP, Buffer Initiative, Watershed Programs and other state programs.
Prepare IDALS quarterly reconciliations and reports.
Process and enter applications, amendments, maintenance agreements, and cost share payments into the Financial and Reports Management System (FARMS).
Work collaboratively with IDALS to ensure prompt and accurate payment to producers.
Maintain accurate financial ledgers for State and District Program funds (for audit).
District Activities:
Maintain accurate ledgers including but not limited to equipment rental, private fundraising activities, contracts, grants, and all other private and public funds received or managed by the SWCD.
Confer with the District Chair on upcoming activities, meetings, district policy and priorities.
Prepare invoices and documents for accounts payable for the SWCD Board.
Organize source documents and reports for SWCD Board reconciliation and review.
Collect and assemble documentation needed for annual SWCD and State audits.
Prepare SWCD meeting agendas and post 24 hours in advance of board meeting. Take and prepare official meeting minutes for approval by SWCD board and distribute within 7 days after approved by SWCD board per DSCWQ policy. Per DSCWQ policy, prepare monthly treasurer's report for SWCD board and upon approval distribute.
Forward correspondence received in office to SWCD Board members concerning action alerts, legislation, upcoming meetings and state and national association information. Ensure correspondence from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is presented to the SWCD board.
Maintain inventory of district and state-owned equipment.
Assist the SWCD board with developing and organizing information for funding opportunities.
Coordinate and assemble newsletters and annual reports.
Assist SWCD board with poster contest preparation. Work with contest judges and arrange for SWCD presentation of awards to contest winners.
Assist SWCD board with scholarship programs. Receive scholarship applications for SWCD board's selection of District winners and Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) finalists, forward on to CDI Regional Director prior to deadline.
Assist SWCD Board with the development of applications and forms to the Iowa Soil Conservation Awards Program (ISCAP) and other recognition programs sponsored by IDALS and other partners.
Renew annual bulk mail permit.
Adhere to IDALS ethical and financial policies and programs guidelines.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
Maintain NRCS inventory of equipment and property and submit to area office.
Order repair of office equipment when necessary.
Submit monthly postage and copier reports to area office.
Maintain adequate inventory of all office supplies. Order from approved sources per NRCS policy.
Develop and maintain a log of complaints, receipt of service, appeals, “whistle blowers”, and Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee status reviews if requested by District Conservationist (DC).
Assist DC in notifying producers of yearly status reviews and scheduling field office visits. Forward status review results to producers.
Develop and maintain VIP list of federal, state and local elected officials, representatives of environmental groups and agricultural organizations, FSA county committee, county engineer and cooperating agencies and contacts.
Assist with outreach programs for the district and NRCS. Prepare publications, power points, etc. for presentation.
Assist NRCS with administrative duties for Federal programs including but not limited to EQIP, CRP, and CSP.
Provide support to field staff in an effort to uphold the mission of the partnership.
Training:
Work with IDALS Field Representative and DC to seek and complete training that enhances skills and abilities.
Attend IDALS and NRCS meetings including; statewide, area, regional, online webinars, and conference calls.
Complete IDALS and partner requirements to maintain computer access and job certification.
Job offer will be subject to satisfactory completion of a Federal background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Applicants may attach a cover letter and resume to their application. Application materials can be uploaded in the Attachments Section during the application process.
As an employee of IDALS you are a State of Iowa employee and eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Low out of pocket, high quality family medical insurance as low as $187.00 per month, single as low as $56.00 per month
Dental insurance is free for single and $45.00 per month for family coverage
$20,000 basic life insurance at no cost, voluntary supplemental life for an additional cost, and long term disability insurance at no cost
Exceptional retirement package includes IPERS (Iowa Public Employee Retirement System) which is a fixed income or defined benefit pension plan
In addition to IPERS a deferred compensation plan (similar to a 401K) with a state match of up to $75.00 per month
Paid leave includes – 9 holidays, sick, vacation, military leave, and jury duty leave
To learn more about benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee click here benefits (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/employee-and-retiree-benefits/employees) to visit the web page.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Experience equal to two years of full-time general office work, one year of which must have involved secretarial or related administrative support duties;
OR
post high school course work in an accredited secretarial, business, or closely related curriculum may be substituted for the required experience on a month-for-month basis;
OR
completion of thirty (30) semester (or equivalent) hours of undergraduate college level course work may be substituted for the one year of required general office experience;
OR
certification from the State of Iowa Administrative Assistant Certificate Program will substitute for six months of the required experience;
OR
employees withcurrentcontinuous experience in the state executive branch that includes the equivalent of one year of full-time work as a Secretary 1.
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/Secretary2-00026-90026.pdf)
Additional Qualification Requirements
Typing Requirement:Applicants may be required to have the ability to type 40 wpm net. If included in the Minimum Requirements of this job vacancy, you must provide verification of your typing score prior to the closing date of this vacancy. (Click here for more details about the typing test.) (https://das.iowa.gov/human-resources/state-employment/typing-test-information)
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
Do you have experience equal to two years of full-time general office work, one year of which must have involved secretarial or related administrative support duties?
Yes
No
04
How many months of COMBINED post high school course work in an accredited secretarial, business, or closely related curriculum AND full-time clerical work experience do you have?
Less than six months of the combined identified education and work experience
Six months to less than one year of the combined identified education and work experience
One year to less than two years of the combined identified education and work experience
Two years or more of the combined identified education and work experience
05
If you have completed the certification from the State of Iowa Administrative Assistant Certificate Program, how many months of full-time clerical work experience do you have?
Not applicable - I have not completed the State of Iowa Administrative Assistant Certificate Program
No experience to less than six months of the identified experience
Six months to less than one year of the identified experience
One year to less than one and a half years of the identified experience
One and a half years or more of the identified experience
06
If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch): How many months do you have of current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes full-time work experience in the classification of Secretary 1?
Not applicable - I am not an employee for the employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch
Less than one year of work experience in the classification of Secretary 1
One year or more in the classification of Secretary 1
07
Have you completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of college level course work to substitute for one year of general office experience?
Yes, I have 30 semester hours of college level course work.
No, I do not have 30 semester hours of college level course work
Required Question
Agency
State of Iowa
Agency
009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Address
Wallace State Office Building
502 E 9th St
Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
Website
http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/
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