Program Support Associate

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

The Iowa DNR is seeking an organized and detail-oriented professional to serve as an Administrative Support Assistant 2 (ASA2) for the Field Services & Compliance Bureau within Field Office 2, located in Mason City, Iowa. Working under the direct supervision of the Public Service Manager 1, this full-time position performs essential, high-volume administrative duties that directly support environmental protection programs and technical field staff.

The core focus of this role involves program-specific support and data compliance management. The successful candidate will independently manage the Field Office 2 Monthly Operating Report (MOR) and Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) inboxes, which support hundreds of active public water supply systems and permitted facilities. Responsibilities include reviewing incoming environmental compliance reports for data errors, inputting records into state and national EPA databases, and helping facility operators troubleshoot report submission issues.

Additionally, this position assists senior staff by independently managing the administrative cycle of approximately 100 non-compliance letters annually gathering documentation, drafting formal correspondence, and tracking certified mail receipts.

A significant portion of time is also dedicated to public records management and digitization. Serving as the primary public records liaison for the field office, the ASA2 prioritizes and digitizes active files in accordance with bureau scanning guidance and state records retention schedules. The position manages both paper and electronic filing systems, handles file searches for office staff, and directly responds to open records requests.

As the primary initial point of contact for Field Office 2, this position delivers vital customer service by greeting visitors, screening incoming telephone calls, and answering routine inquiries. The ASA2 ensures the public is promptly connected to the appropriate technical staff and drafts standardized email responses for common programmatic questions.

Finally, this position manages essential office logistics. This includes sorting and processing incoming and outgoing mail, drafting and proofreading general correspondence, and scheduling meetings, appointments, and public outreach events. Under the oversight of the supervisor and the office Administrative Assistant 2, the employee will also schedule and proctor operator certification testing, record incoming application fees, order office supplies, process invoices, and coordinate basic maintenance for office equipment and state vehicles.

To be successful, the individual in this role must communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of public and professional customers. The position requires the ability to independently compile and enter environmental data with high accuracy under strict deadlines, organize multiple competing priorities, and explain basic DNR program information clearly. Infrequent travel is required.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong core values of accountability, integrity, high productivity, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach to maintaining positive working relationships within the agency.

• 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…