Administrative Assistant

Job Summary

Distinguishing Features of the Class
The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide clerical support to key office personnel in the Fire department in addition to customer service to the public. The work is performed under the direct supervision of an assigned supervisor, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. This class is distinguished from the class of Office Assistant by a greater scope and depth of work, including responsibility for financial and/or specialized Fire department or division records and interaction with key Fire department or division personnel concerning technical program requirements.

The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other City employees, business and community organizations and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment at the Fire Administration building.

Final date to receive applications: This posting will close at 4:00pm CT on Monday, February 23, 2026. All online applications and required documents must be submitted by this time.

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
• Considerable experience in general office operations including experience with public contact; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post‑employment offer physical examination and drug screen;
• Ability to pass a background check;
• A minimum typing speed of 40 wpm.

Please go to  to complete a free 5‑minute typing test. The site defaults to a 1‑minute test; you must change this to 5 minutes. On the site you may “Personalize Results”. Type your first and last name as it appears on your application. The online typing test must be from this site only and witnessed by another person. Results printed from the testing website must meet the following requirements:

• Net number of words typed (speed).
• Show that you completed a 5‑minute timed test.
• Your name (see instructions above on how to "Personalize Results") and the date the exam was completed.
• Name and date must be shown on the printed results from the testing website. It cannot be handwritten or added by someone.
• Witness signature, witness printed name, and valid email address for the witness. Witness must be age 18 years or older.
• If you do not have printing capabilities, please email your results to human resources and cc your witness. Your witness may then "Reply All" to the email stating their name and that they witnessed you completing the online typing test on the specified date. It is your responsibility to make sure your witness responds by the exam deadline.
• You must submit exam results to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department via email (human resources) by 4:00pm CT on Monday, February 23, 2026. Passing score is 40 net words per minute (speed).

Applicants must currently hold a City of Des Moines Civil Service position requiring a typing speed of 40 WPM or higher OR have previously taken the online timed typing test resulting in a score of 40 NWPM or higher within one (1) year of the Final date to receive applications. The applicant is required to contact the City's Human Resources Department at (515) 283‑4213 or by email at human resources to attach a previously submitted typing test to their current application by the Final date to receive applications.

• Prepares correspondences, reports, lists and other documents as instructed and requested by designated office personnel;
• Coordinates work/data needed with various departments to produce correspondence;
• Interprets and applies departmental or office rules, policies and regulations in accordance with prescribed procedures and guidelines;
• Reviews applications, requests for services, contractor requests,…