Procurement & Administrative Support Specialist

We encourage all applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter to their online application.

About the role

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an energetic, detail-oriented professional to join the Customer & Employee Services Bureau at the Department’s Central Office in Des Moines, Iowa. This multifaceted role manages day-to-day purchasing operations, inventory control, surplus property liquidations, and essential facility service agreements. You will work closely with state vendors, manage specialized service contracts, oversee storeroom logistics, and provide courier, building, and customer support services to internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing & Financial Operations
  • Procure standard and specialty office supplies, goods, and services (typically under $5,000 per order) for DNR Central Office operations.
  • Hold and maintain a state-issued Procurement Card (P-Card); complete receipt ledgers, submit payment documents within three working days of invoice receipt, and maintain structured filing systems.
  • Order and maintain state forms and envelopes via centralized printing or external vendor bids; research economical purchasing sources and recommend cost-saving strategies.
• Surplus Property & GovDeals Management
  • Coordinate statewide DNR excess property sales using the GovDeals asset management site.
• Storeroom Operations & Inventory Control
  • Oversee Central Office Storeroom organization and inventory tracking.
  • Receive, inspect, log, and secure incoming shipments within 24 hours of receipt.
  • Stock inventory, fulfill internal requests, ship materials, and perform weekly physical inventory checks.
• Courier, Mail & Operational Support
  • Provide daily local courier services using a state vehicle to pick up and deliver mail, equipment, and special event items (including the Iowa State Fair).
  • Monitor assigned vehicle usage, complete monthly reporting, and arrange routine maintenance.
  • Serve as primary backup for Central Office Mail Room operations and provide coverage for Front Desk reception.
• Building Management & Vendor Service Agreements
  • Manage printer/copier/fax lease agreements, track meter reads, and process vendor billings.
  • Maintain office key database, coordinate eDAS facility requests, report building maintenance issues, and manage the office supply/rental equipment program.
• Essential Functions
  • Lifts and moves boxes and equipment up to 50 lbs. for prolonged periods on a recurring basis.
  • Places boxes weighing up to 50 lbs. on shelves below knees and above shoulders/head.
  • Operates material handling equipment including dollies, scales, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and walk-behind forklifts.
  • Delivers/picks up items from off-site locations using a state vehicle.
  • Operates computers and databases to solicit bids, maintain contracts, manage inventory, and process invoices.
  • Performs basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Reviews vendor bids/estimates and applies established guidelines for vendor selection.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Iowa Driver's License.
• Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify:
  • Four years of full-time work experience in the procurement of standardized, expendable/nonexpendable items.
  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, accounting, or economics.
  • A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described above), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience.

Skills

• Accountability
• Common Sense
• Customer Focus
• High Productivity
• Integrity
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Management
• Team Player
• Technical Competency: Purchasing and Inventory Management

Benefits

• 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 per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Flexible work schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits worth about 30% of your total compensation.

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).